Sunday, December 7, 2014

Yankees Headley's "Top Choice" in Spite of Unwillingness to Give Him Four Years: Heyman

It was reported earlier this month the Yankees were "cooling" their pursuit of free agent third baseman Chase Headley, but that doesn't appear to have affected the latter's viewpoint of them much.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Headley still favors the Yankees over all other potential suitors, in spite of the fact they don't want to offer him more than three years. The common belief right now seems to be Headley enjoyed his two-month stint with the team last season, and may be willing to accept less length in order to remain a part of it. 

From Heyman's report:

"Headley is said to have suggested to some the Yankees are his top choice. However, the Giants, champions three times in the past five years, provide an interesting second option. They lost [Pablo] Sandoval, and their appearance in this derby raises the possibility of a spirited competition for the player who hit .243 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI but was much better than that in New York."
Indeed, Headley played well during his time in the Bronx, batting .262 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 58 games. Prior to putting up those numbers, he hit just .229 in 19 more contests with the Padres, the club from which he was traded to the Yankees. 
Nonetheless, the stats Headley put up with the Yankees aren't amazing, and while it's possible he could improve them in the future, it's unlikely New York will suddenly go after him again unless he agrees to seriously compromise. The Yankees are reportedly intrigued by the idea of starting infield prospect Rob Refsnyder in 2015, and since doing so probably wouldn't weaken their defense, it's a safe bet that's the scenario they'll ultimately choose.
We should find out for sure at this week's Winter Meetings, which are set to carry on through Thursday.

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)