New York Teams Make Their Moves

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After missing the Playoffs for the 1st time since 1994, the New York Yankees made sure to make a splash in the free agent signings by inking former American League Cy Young award winner CC Sabathia to a 7 year, 160 million dollar contract, the most money ever shelled out to a pitcher in Major League Baseball history. Sabathia played for both the Cleveland Indians and the Milwaukee Brewers last season, catapulting the Brewers to their 1st post season appearance in 26 years. The Yankees, powered by the deep pockets of the Steinbrenner family have also reportedly offered a 5 year contract to former Toronto Blue Jay pitcher, A.J. Burnett. Burnett led the American League pitchers in strikeouts this past season.

Meanwhile, New York’s other team (the Mets) signed record setting relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (aka K-Rod) to a 3 year 37 million dollar contract. The Mets, whose bullpen led to their late season collapse for the 2nd straight year were in the market for a closer after losing veteran reliever Billy Wagner to an injury that will not allow him to continue pitching until 2010. With Baseball’s Winter meetings currently going on in Las Vegas, stay tuned for more signings.

This story is filed under: Sports