Yankees Resign Mariano Rivera



Rivera returns to...NYY

 Just as everyone believed they would, the New York Yankees have resigned their beloved closer Mariano Rivera.  Rivera inked a two-year deal worth about $30M, and the 41-year old will slot into his usual role: the New York Yankees closer.  On an interesting note, there is rumors that the Boston Red Sox as well as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim tried to  pry Rivera away from the Yankees by offering him some good looking contracts.  Rivera deserves credit for turning down what is to believed an extra $15M from the Red Sox to remain with New York.  Mariano saved 33 games in 60 innings in 2010.

Ramblings: Feliciano, Upton

Could Pedro switch NY?

• Ken Davidoff of Newsday is reporting that the New York Yankees are interested in LOOGY Pedro Feliciano.  Feliciano is 34-years old and uses his devastating slider to get lefties out.  In 2010 he kept them to a .211 AVG, while righties crushed him at a .336 clip. 
• New Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers told the media that Arizona is open to trading outfielder Justin Upton.  He could very well just be trying to show the notion that "no-one is un   touchable" but Upton is a huge name to throw out there. He hit .273 with 27 HR and 18 SB last year as a 23-year old, and is in the 2nd year of his 6-year/$51.25M contract. 

Ramblings: Rangers, de la Rosa, Beltran

Victor Martinez is one of the names
that Texas may be looking at.

• Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports believes that the Texas Rangers might have enough in their budget to sign two premiere free-agents: Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez.  They would first need ownership to approve a budget increase, pushing Texas' payroll to about $90M.  They will have a terrific club if they can re-sign Lee and add a terrific hitter in Martinez.
• Cliff Lee isn't the only lefty the Yankees are talking to, as they have been talking to free-agent Jorge de la Rosa (according to the NY Daily News).  It looks like New York believes de la Rosa would be their consolation prize of choice. Jorge has always been a strike-out specialist (113 in 121.2 innings in 2010) but has lacked command throughout his career, with a whopping 1.523 career WHIP. I'm not so sure he'd be a good fit for the Yankees, as pitching in such a large market might be tough on a guy who has pitched with KC, MIL, and COL throughout his 7 year career.
• New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran told the media that he would indeed waive his no-trade clause if the Mets came to him with a deal.  He also said he'd be willing to move to right-field if new GM Sandy Alderson.