Kevin Millwood opens options for the New York Yankees – MLB Update
The New York Yankees look to be heading into the 2011 Major League Baseball season with a backup player in the Minor Leagues. Kevin Millwood was recently acquired by the Bronx Bombers, as the deal came through on Friday. With a physical test left on the
plate, it seems there will be success in the completion of the move that will bring experience to the club.
Brian Cashman tailored the deal, but he has his conditions on Millwood that will be enforced and observed immediately. The general manager wants the 36-year-old veteran to prove his worth in the lower leagues first, before he can be given a chance on the
main roster.
The former Baltimore Orioles player had an unimpressive season, last year, when he won just four games, while losing 16. His earned run average was 5.10 and that is something Cashman wants repaired in his stint with the Triple A Scranton or Wilkes-Barre.
"I don't know if he can help us or not," Cashman said. "But I'm willing to put a no-risk, possible-reward option that's been on the table the whole time. We'll put him in, get him ready and get him into competition; see if there's anything there. If there
is, we'll have some decisions to make. If there's not, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Millwood can earn $1.5 million if he goes to the Major Leagues and if he wants, he can leave the club by the first of May, giving him more options.
"Obviously the guy knows how to pitch, he has a number of pitches he can go to, and we got him for some depth," manager Joe Girardi said. "When you look at all the starters in Triple-A, they're really, really young. Does he push his way into the mix?"
Girardi went on to answer the question, saying that the club did not know. However he was emphatic over the understanding that an experienced player was in the mix, at the start of the season. At the end of the day, he stated that it is always safe to have
someone with experience in the reserves.
Tags: