The Daily Yankeeland

The Yankees have agreed in principle to a 1-year, $3.75 million deal with free agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins, so says the Associated Press. We've never been a big fan of Hawkins, back to his days as a starter, set up, and closer for the Twins. But we are happy that it's only a 1 year deal. Luiz Vizcaino will get multiple years from someone, but let the buyer beware. Viz was another victim of Joe Torre burn out last year.

A little comparison between the 2 relievers last year

Hawkins 35 yrs old 62 G 55.1 IP 51 H 21 ER 6 HR 16 BB 29 K 2-5, 3.42 1.23 WHIP

Vizcaino 33 yrs old 77 G 75.1 IP 66 H 36 ER 6 HR 43 BB 62 K 8-2, 4.30 1.45 WHIP

Hawkins has the better control, but Vizcaino has a much better strikeout per inning total. The biggest thing that sticks out for Hawkins is how great his numbers were at home, and just how bad they were on the road.

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Hideki Matsui commented for the first time on the possibility of leaving the Yankees.

I have not heard anything from the Yankees and my agent," Matsui told the paper, in remarks translated by one of its reporters. "I cannot comment about any reports or rumors. I am going to think about (whether to waive the no-trade clause) only when the team or my agent calls me.

"All I can do right now is to prepare for the next season. Especially I have to rehab for my right knee during this off-season."

Godzilla's agent Arn Tellem confirmed that he has not been approached by the Yankees.
Source

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Bronson Sardinha made a quite splash during spring training earlier this year, but it didn't translate to the regular season. Sardinha became a victim of the 40-man roster Friday when he was released to make room for Andy Pettitte. The Yankees have 10 days to trade, release or outright Sardinha to the minors.

Source

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The Carl Pavano saga continues. The Yankees are expected to buy out the remaining year, plus the 2009 buyout of his contract, and then sign him to a minor league deal to rehab from Tommy John surgery. They're afraid his rehab will go too well and could help another team should they release him outright. Okay, commence laughter.

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