The Yankees lost one of their relievers on Thursday, as David Robertson chose to sign a 2 year $21 million deal with the Phillies. This includes a team option for the 3rd year with 12 million guaranteed.
The Yankees never made Robertson an offer, as they had not that much interest in bringing him back according to reports.
This deal comes no shock after the controversy with playoff shares.
At the end of the postseason , staff members get bonus business shares, distributed by the person put in charge of the proceedings. In this case, David Robertson was put in charge and didn’t spread it out so much to the other Yankee staff members keeping most to himself.
If you like conspiracy theories that is for you .
On the field , David Robertson wasn’t able to replicate his performance from last season when he went 9-2 with a2.86 ERA in 2017 with the Yankees and White Sox.
But only to follow it up with a down year, at 8-3 with a 3.23 ERA and lowering himself out of the “Big 3” in the Yankees bullpen.
Robertson, was a multi inning reliver for the Yankees this season and often showed that he was unable to handle it, allowing 6 runs per nine innings his worst ever.
However, Robertson’s stock went up when he was amazing in the postseason, allowing no runs in 3.2 IP, in his 3 appearances in the 5 game Yankee postseason.
That is why other Yankee fans like myself, wanted him back and when he declined to sign with Boston there was even more hope!
However, what Robertson really wanted was to be a closer and since he wasn’t even close to getting that in New York, he went elsewhere.
All I can say about that ,is he did what’s best for him and i am going to respect that .
As for the Phillies, I think he will flourish there should he become the closer and the 33 year olds career will really take off!
Before I conclude , I would like to say that If David Robertson ultimately ends up being a Hall of Famer , I think he will choose the Yankees because he was brought up by them and was with them for 8 of his first 11 seasons!
So with that , I just want to say thank you David Robertson and good luck in Philadelphia!!!!
Other news:
The Yankees will replace “ D Rob” with Tommmy Kahlne from the minors. Tommy was in the minors most of the year to work on his mechanics and we will see in 2019 if he has improved them!!!
With 2 spots open in their rotation, the Yankees are going hard after Zach Britton, as a deal is reportedly being discussed at 3 or 4 years, with the money range being 40-45 million.
The other reliver the Yankees have shown interest in, is stud Adam Ottavino.
However, they reportedly don’t like the price tag that he wants at 4 years “ Closer money”. Other teams are in as well, so we will see what happens.
As for Machado, he will keep waiting until January 10th, to announce his decision.
Meanwhile, Bryce Harper is scheduled to meet with the Philadelphia Phillies next week, who are now the favorites to land the superstar OF.
Besides the Nationals ( Who he met with already for 5 hours) and the Phillies, the Chicago White Sox Are also willing to go 10 years for Bryce Harper according to reports.
However, Chicago will only go 7 for Machado, which will not be enough, so the Sox are out of the Machado race.
MACHADO FINALS:
Yankees vs Phillies. Yankees are reportedly in the lead right now , but don’t count out the Phillies just yet.
HARPER FINAL 4:
Even though, they haven’t scheduled a meeting with Bryce yet, the Dodgers and Cubs are reportedly still alive in the race.
SONNY GRAY TRADE NEWS:
The Yankees had a 3 team deal lined up with the Atlanta Braves involving the Texas Rangers. The deal would’ve sent Gray to Atlanta and 2B Jackson Profar to NY.
But the prospects from the Yankees, weren’t at the other teams liking so it fell apart.
Not only that, but the Yankees and Reds talks for Gray have “ Faded” as well.
Lately, the Brewers and Padres have shown continued interest in Gray.
We will keep an eye on that going forward.
Opinions:
Eddie Hamway says that the Yankees should keep Sonny Gray until April, or at least Spring Training, so his Trade value would go up.
While that is a reasonable suggestion, teams only have intrest for so long , so it might be too late then.
Also , the Yankees have said numerous times that he will be dealt.
Also Eddie says , that the reason why he thinks the Yankees let Robertson go, was that pitchers don’t pitch well when they are younger .
That is true, but 33 is usually when a reliever reaches his prime, and here is Robertson at 33. However, what was supposed to be a breakout season, wasn’t one , which could tell you that Robertson might be on the downside of his career.
Michel Levy is shocked that the Yankees let Robertson go, saying that “ He is a veteran , so why would he go to the Phillies?”
Yes, while that is true, veterans also like to be mentors and with that young talent on that Phillies team. Robertson could really mentor the young guys there.
Yes I know the Yankees have a young team too but you know Michel, maybe the reason why the Yankees let him go is because maybe they know that he wouldn’t do so well on a win now team , while the Phillies are looking to finish up their rebuild process.
That is all for now , have a nice day!
Picture Via New York Yankees twitter.
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