Random Bits: Arb. Aftermath, Pitching, Tampa, Traber

Just a few quick notes on the day:

1. Ken Davidoff understands not offering Bobby Abreu arbitration, especially when Bobby could have made more than $16 million through the arbitration process. Davidoff also states that this will be the first time, since 2005 when Brian Cashman “took over” as a “real GM,” that the Yankees have not prioritized restocking the farm system in some significant way. The Yanks will almost certainly sign at least 2 big free agents and by doing so they will have to cough up their first round picks (although they’ll get a first round pick due to the Cole mishap from 2008). Davidoff finishes up by reminding us that the Yankees, by not offering arbitration to Pudge, have effectively gotten nothing from that Farnsworth trade, which in retrospect was a smart move at the time, but worked out horribly for the team.

2. Next up, Bryan Hoch says that the Yankees will go all out for pitching as the GM Meetings approach us. Hoch’s article contains a quote from Hal that states the following:

“We’re going to do what we do every year, and that’s try to field a championship team,” co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said recently. “That’s not going to change. We know that we’ve got some weaknesses, and we’re going to fix the problems as best we can. If that means spending money, obviously that means spending money. The philosophy has not changed.”

To those who may think that, because of the arbitration aftermath, the Yankees are really pinching their pennies a bit more than they’ve done in recent years, I don’t know if I’d agree (entirely) with that thought. Again, the team has a $140 million contract on the table and is still ready to sign another pitcher. That alone screams “I’m willing to spend (on the right investment,” rather than “I’m saving my dollars this winter.” Again, this goes back to the arbitration and Abreu issue. Why waste nearly $20 million on one year of Bobby Abreu (and a roster spot) when you can sign Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett for a few years and at a smaller annual cost (and these are pitchers, a group of players that the Yankees actually NEED).

3. Now, the following from Tampa (TB.com):

Big news for college baseball fans in Tampa, as the New York Yankees are finalizing a marquee event that would bring four of the state’s top programs together for a doubleheader at George Steinbrenner Field (formerly Legends Field) in February 2010.

Florida and Florida State would meet in one game, with USF and Miami squaring off in the second at the Yankees’ spring training home. The four schools would meet again in 2011, perhaps as part of a larger event.

“It’s not finalized, but we’re going to bring in the top universities in the state,” said Yankees senior vice president Felix Lopez. “It will be four schools to begin with, and we’ll make it grow from there. It’s been Mr. Steinbrenner’s idea from the start.”

Tampa was host to a “Florida Four” men’s basketball tournament in 1981, with USF beating Florida and Florida State on back-to-back days.

The Yankees are always doing cool stuff like this for people. If your a Floridian and a fan of baseball, this is probably a big deal for you.

4. Finally, the Red Sox have signed Billy Traber to a minor league contract. Traber was one of those guys that really could have helped the Yankees out if he succeeded this past season. If Traber came through then the Yankees wouldn’t have traded for Marte, although I’m happy we have Marte for 3 years. He was always frustrating to watch and his breaking ball was pretty nice and loopy, however he just didn’t seem to know how to pitch with it effectively (and set it up to get hitters out).