Jeff Baker Comes Off The Yankees Board

Last week I had the ultimate facepalm when I was killing the Yankees for letting Jeff Baker sign for a minor league deal elsewhere besides the Yankees only to be reminded by my good friend Patrick Walsh that it was Scott Baker, not Jeff, whoops. Well Patrick, and all Yankees fans, Jeff Baker has come off the board for the Yankees, for real this time. Baker signed with the Miami Marlins on a two year deal worth $3.7 million.

Baker would have been nice but I would have honestly been a little upset if we gave Baker that deal. In my opinion I do not think he is worth that much money or the years, lefty masher or not. The Yankees were not sold on his defense at third base and neither was I and I am definitely not fond of a glorified platoon player for nearly $4 million. Would have been nice but I am glad we ultimately passed on Baker.

Yankees Missed Out On Scott Baker

Source: #Mariners agree to minor league deal with Scott Baker. Includes spring training invite.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 29, 2014

The Seattle Mariners have signed utility guy Jeff Baker to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training and the Yankees really dropped the ball. First off I don't care about the concern for his defense at third base because before last season Kelly Johnson had never played first base. Secondly the other likely option at the hot corner is Eduardo Nunez and his defensive struggles are well documented here as well as everyone in the Yankees blogosphere. Third of all it's a minor league deal, also known as a no brainer.

Baker can play third base, first base, and some outfield and would have really helped the Yankees off the bench or as a starter this season. Baker can make up to $1 million if he makes the team and can make an additional $2.25 million in incentives. It perplexes me that the Yankees did not snatch this guy up, especially on a minor league deal. We had the money to offer, we had the playing time to offer, and we have the need for a guy like Baker.

Please disregard :)

Yankees Have Shown Interest In Jeff Baker

The Yankees are still looking to fill in a few gaps this offseason with the roster and that search has been extended to former Texas Rangers outfielder Jeff Baker. Baker is more of a utility player then an outfielder with the ability to play first base, third base, second base, and both corner outfield spots. Baker's right handed power bat can really balance out the lineup and likely platoon with Brian Roberts and others if he is signed.

Baker is 32 years old and is coming off of a .279/.360/.545 triple slash with 11 home runs in only 175 plate appearances in 2013. Baker, and this is serious, missed more than a month with a sprained thumb injury that he got during a high five with a teammate.

Jeff Baker Comes Off Board, Signs W/ Rangers

And yet another right handed option for the Yankees comes off the board without even an offer by Brian Cashman and company as Jeff Baker signed a minor league deal today with the Texas Rangers. The deal obviously includes an invite to Spring Training. Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler jump for joy once again.