Believe in second chances?
Well the Yankees most certainly do.
The Yankees traded outfielder Melky Cabrera on Tuesday to the Atlanta Braves for right hander Javier Vazquez in a suprising move for the World Champions.
In case you need to be reminded, Vazquez spent one mediocre season with the Bronx Bombers in 2004, when he went 14-10 with a 4. 91 ERA. He was best remembered for giving up a grand slam to Johnny Damon, then of the Red Sox, in game seven of the 2004 ALCS.
Still, Vazquez is highly regarded to this day. Last season he went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA with 238 strike outs with the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees believe that Vazquez has turned the corner and can be a servicable number three starter.
As for Cabrera he was an average outfield at best. He never really fit in any outfield positon, although he had a propensity to play a decent center field. Cabrera had his moments, like a game winning homer against the Twins early in the regular season. He hit .274 with 13 homers and 68 RBI.
What does this mean for the Yankee outfield?
It could mean that the Bombers will pursue Jason Bay, or Matt Holliday more vigorously. Bay has a five year offer from the Mets, but has yet to accept the deal. Bay's hesitation to sign with the Mets could open the door for Yankees to get him. Then again, the Yankees could always settle for Johnny Damon in left. But, the outfielder outpriced himself out of an offer to resign with the Yankees; plus, Damon is not a great outfielder any more.
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