The Yankees reportedly signed LHP Andrew Miller to a 4 yr, $36M contract yesterday. New York's first big signing of the offseason, (sorry Chris Young), had been heavily rumored for at least a week. I have to say I'm ok with the deal; don't love it but don't hate it. A 4 yr deal for a reliever is probably at least 1 year too long. This is especially true considering he has no experience as a closer and isn't expected to be one for New York, (at least not in the traditional sense). Still, I like the AAV of $9M and don't think this would be a huge albatross if he regresses this last year or two.
One thing I've preached this offseason is that New York needed depth and versatility instead of big money, high profile free agents. I feel like Miller gives them the former in the bullpen as a lefty that you can feel comfortable with facing righties. He probably could close and the idea of him and RHP phenom Dellin Betances sharing the closer duties based on matchup is intriguing. Having LHP Justin Wilson allows Manager Joe Girardi to save Miller for the 8th or 9th. With LHP Jacob Lindgren the Yankees could have 3 LHP in the bullpen at some point this season with Miller and hopefully Lidgren being able to face righty batters. It also doesn't hurt that Miller's experience primarily comes from pitching in the AL East.
What this means for David Robertson is interesting. GM Brian Cashman has said this doesn't close the door on D-Rob returning. I believe that but probably makes it less likely. What it gives them is the leverage to let him walk, which I think they would prefer to signing him to a Papelbon-like contract. And I think they'd like that compensatory draft pick when Robertson signs with someone else. It would give them an excuse for forfeiting their own 1st rd draft pick on someone like Max Scherzer, though that's not a line that I'm going to buy. First rd draft picks are too valuable in this day and age, and saying "Hey don't worry about us losing the 18th draft pick because we still have that one that'll be in the low 30s" doesn't hold water for me. Here's an idea: why not keep both?
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