Yankees Avoid Arbitration; 4 Sign One-Year Deals

There will be no arbitration battles for the New York Yankees this year. Four players were eligible for arbitration and all four have agreed to one year contracts withe the Yankees.

Phil Hughes will be a very important member of the Yankees this season. With Andy Pettitte leaning toward retirement, or at least not starting the season on time, Hughes will need to be the No. 2 or No. 3 starter.

Hughes agreed to a one-year, $2.7 million contract. The right hander was 18-8 in 2010 while sporting a 4.19 ERA. The 176.1 innings pitched were the most of his young career.

Joba Chamberlain remains a mystery for New York. Once a fan favorite, Chamberlain is now potential trade bait. The reliever-turned starter-turned reliever agreed to a $1.4 million deal.

Last season, Chamberlain was 3-4 with a 4.40 ERA. He was used mostly as a set-up man but did record three saves. With the Yankees recently acquiring Rafael Soriano, many think Chamberlain is on his way out of the Bronx.

Sergio Mitre may be counted on to contribute more than many Yankees fans would hope. Mitre will be one of the candidates to fill the two open spots in the Yankees starting rotation this season. Mitre and the Yankees agreed to a $900,000 deal and avoided arbitration.

Mitre went 0-3 with a 3.33 ERA while appearing in 27 games. He made three starts.

Left handed reliever Boone Logan agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million. Logan will be used as a left handed specialist this season, an important role out of the bullpen.

Last year, Logan was 2-0 with a 2.93 ERA. He struck out 38 batters in 40 innings. The lone knock on Logan last season was his inconsistant control. Logan did walk 20 batters in his 40 innings of work.

Other Yankees News/Rumors

– Andruw Jones appears to be the teams top target as a fourth outfielder. Jones would provide some right handed pop and be able to play both left and centerfield.  Former Yankee Johnny Damon may be the backup plan.

– Freddy Garcia and Kevin Millwood are gaining interest as back of the rotation options for the Yankees.