In Troy E. Renck’s (Denver Post) latest, he discusses veteran right-hander Rafael Betancourt, who recently became a free agent after the Rockies declined his $5.4 million option a few days ago. Renck makes it clear that Rockies will likely try to renegotiate with Betancourt so as to sign him to a multiyear deal, however, towards the end of his article, he also offers a passing comment regarding possible Yankee interest in the 34-year old setup man. “So, [Betancourt] could come back,” says Renck, adding, “although interest by the Red Sox and the Yankees might sabotage it.”
To this point, I haven’t heard any information about the Yankees expressing an “interest” in Betancourt—perhaps Renck is the first to mention it—but he is one of the more attractive free agent relievers on the market, in that he has proven to be effective in the American League (Cashman has seen what he can do firsthand while with Cleveland) and is a veteran pitcher, something the Yankees seemed to miss in the postseason. In 2009, he posted a 2.73 ERA and 2.92 FIP between both Cleveland and Colorado (midseason trade) and struck out 61 over 56 innings. This impressive level of production has helped to categorize Betancourt as a Type-A free agent, though, meaning that he’ll cost a first-round draft pick if signed (goodbye, attractiveness).
For that reason, I wouldn’t put too much stock into Renck’s assertion. I highly doubt that the Yankees would be willing to sign Betancourt to a multiyear deal, which the Rockies appear to be willing to do, while conceding a draft pick. The team, in my opinion, has useful internal pieces they can turn to for effective relief innings in 2010, although one more veteran arm could be a valuable addition. Maybe a cheaper player like Takashi Saito could work instead.
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No thanks.
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Give up a first-round draft choice for a set-up guy in his mid-30s? Not a chance. Nothing will happen unless the Rockies decline to offer him arbitration. Check back then.
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Agreed. Pass.
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Saito is a free agent? I like the way he pitches. maybe sign him to a one year deal. he still can get outs even at his advanced age. I’d be happy to sign him.
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The other Chris H Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Where does he fit in our pen? Setup man? HE isn’t at that level right now, he couldn’t do it for Boston last year and he is only older… Truth is we have a lot of good relievers Marte, Coke, Robertson, Bruney, Gaudin, Aceves and Melancon can all get outs in the 5-7 inning range but we really need that lock down 8th inning guy to shorten the game and build a sure bridge to Mo. I’m afraid Betancourt an Saito don’t fit that bill, if we bring in any bullpen arms they need to be setup type arms and minds.
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Brandon Lyon thinks he can get a multi year offer and while I’m not sold on that idea I know I would have to look at Lyon as setup man for the Yankees next year, he isn’t one of the greatest pitchers ever but he can handle the setup role and for 1-2 years I would sign him… once you start talking 4 years I bow out and at 3 I am not sure how much I like it.
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