Yanks Continue to add Arms

They didn't get Cliff Lee. They didnt get Zach Greinke. They watched Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez go to the division rival Boston Red Sox. They couldnt even get Carl Pavano back. But the Yankees still have been active this offseason, just the way no one would have expected.

They have a very quiet off-season but have added some names that everyone will recognize. As most of these guys' arent the players they were in their primes, there is still something left in the tank that the Yankees see.

Early in the off season they signed catcher Russell Martin to a one year deal worth four million dollars. Martin is a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner (2007).

After that they went and signed an array of pitchers. They first signed Mark Prior. Prior pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2002-2006. He was very good and known for his effortless delivery. He has suffered a number of shoulder injuries and has pitched very little over the past four plus years. The contract is a very small risk one. It is a one year minor league deal. During his time in Chicago, Prior went 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. They also signed an ex-all-star, Bartolo Colon. Colon was also signed to a one year minor league contract. In his career he is 153-103 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

They did however sign a young pitcher to a major league contract. Maybe the biggest relief pitcher on the market this off season will be in pinstripes. The Yankees landed Rafael Soriano. Brian Cashman, Yankees GM publicly commented on the situation, "There's no dispute what this player brings to the Yankee Franchise and how it elevates our ability. The dispute was obviously regarding the efficient way to spend remaining dollars... this move was not my recommendation." Last year with the Rays, Soriano was named the American League Relief man of the year, racking up 45 saves with a 1.73 ERA and 0.80 WHIP.

The Yankees' last signing came this week as they signed free agent and ex all-star Freddy Garcia to a minor league contract. Garcia throughout his career has played for the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Phildelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox. He won a World Series in 2005 with Chicago. In his career he is 133-87 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

It will be interesting to see if the Yankees are done this offseason or if they will continue to sign different guys. With the Rays signing Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez yesterday, it gives New York even more of a reason not to finish just yet.