Notable Yankees Offseason Moves

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 12, 2009

Notable Yankees Offseason Moves

Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett

For the 2009 season: Ever since George Steinbrenner bought the New York Yankees in 1973, they have had an almost annual tradition of making big offseason shows by rolling out big name free-agent and trade acquistions. This winter was no different, as Mark Teixeira (8 years, $180 million), CC Sabathia (7 years, $161 million), AJ Burnett (5 years, $82.5 million), and Nick Swisher (trade) were handed pinstripes and introduced to the media. Here's a look at the team's most notable winter baubles, year by year, since The Boss jumped into the free agent market with both feet in 1975.

Alex Rodriguez

For 2008: Alex Rodriguez re-signs for a record 10 years at $275 million.

Kei Igawa and Andy Pettitte

For 2007: Unproven pitcher Kei Igawa is signed for five years at $20 million. Andy Pettitte returns to the scene of his former glory, with a one-year deal worth $16 million and a $16 million option for 2008.

Johnny Damon and Kyle Farnsworth

For 2006: Boston is outraged as World Series hero Johnny Damon defects to the Bronx and a four-year, $52 million deal. Seeking a set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera, the Yankees hand the erratic Kyle Farnsworth a three-year pact worth $17 million.

Randy Johnson, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Tony Womack

For 2005: Crabby old nemesis Randy Johnson arrives from Arizona in a trade for pitchers Javier Vazquez and Brad Halsey, minor league catcher Dioner Navarro and $9 million. In one of their more infamous moves, pitcher Carl Pavano receives a four-year, $40 million deal and earns the nickname American Idle by spending most of the next three years on the DL. Brittle hurler Jaret Wright gets a three-year deal worth $21 million, and the ultimately useless Tony Womack gets two years at $4 million.

Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Javier Vazquez, and Kevin Brown

For 2004: In an orgy of extravagance, A-Rod and the $179 million left on his record $252 million, 10-year deal (Texas will pay $67 million of it, the most cash in a trade in big league history) arrive for Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named. Kevin Brown and his $15 million contract is brought in from L.A. for Jeff Weaver, two prospects and $3 million. Slugger Gary Sheffield is signed for three years at $36 million. Pitcher Javier Vazquez is acquired from Montreal for Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera and Randy Choate. Starter Jon Lieber (two years, $4 million), reliever Tom Gordon (two years, $7.25 million) and outfield Kenny Lofton (one year, $6 million) round out the bonanza.

Jose Contreras and Hideki Matsui

For 2003: The Yankees are famously deemed "the Evil Empire" by Red Sox president Larry Lucchino as they sign coveted Cuban hurler Jose Contreras for four years at $32 million and add insult to injury by adding Japanese superstar slugger Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui for three years at $21 million.

David Wells, Jason Giambi, Rondell White, and Robin Ventura

For 2002: Rotund hurler David Wells returns for his second stint in the Bronx, at three years for $13.5 million, but the bigger prize is slugger Jason Giambi, lured from Oakland with a seven-year deal worth $120 million. Lesser additions include outfielder Rondell White (two years, $10 million) and third baseman Robin Ventura (one year, $5 million).

Mike Mussina

For 2001: Longtime Baltimore Orioles ace Mike Mussina is added to the starting staff with six-year pact valued at $88.5 million.

Roger Clemens

For 1999: Continuing their tradition of poaching former Red Sox icons, the defending World Series champs land five-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens from Toronto in a trade for David Wells, Graeme Lloyd and Homer Bush.

Orlando Hernandez and Chuck Knoblauch

For 1998: All-Star second baseman Chuck Knoblauch arrives from Minnesota in a trade for pitching prospect Eric Milton, minors Danny Mota, Brian Buchanan and Cristian Guzman, and $3 million. Pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, a Cuban defector, is brought aboard with a four-year deal worth $6.6 million.

Hideki Irabu and David Wells

For 1997: Temperamental Japanese hurler Hideki Irabu, who will become George Steinbrenner's "fat pus-sy toad" is given a four-year deal worth $12.8 million. Pitcher David Wells, a heavyweight fan favorite, is signed for three years at $13.5 million.

Tino Martinez and Kenny Rogers

For 1996: First baseman Tino Martinez and middle reliever Jeff Nelson are acquired from Seattle in a trade for pitcher Sterling Hitchcock and third base prospect Russ Davis. Pitcher Kenny Rogers is signed for four years at $19.5 million.

John Wetteland and Tony Fernandez

For 1995: Closer John Wetteland arrives from Montreal in a trade for minor league outfielder Fernando Seguignol, a player to be named and some cash while veteran shortstop Tony Fernandez is signed to a two-year deal worth $3 million.

Jack McDowell

For 1994: Veteran starter Jack McDowell is acquired from the White Sox for a minor league pitcher and a player to be named later.

Wade Boggs, Jimmy Key, Jim Abbott, and Paul O'Neill

For 1993: The Yankees elevate Boston's blood pressure by signing perennial Red Sox batting champion Wade Boggs for three years at $11 million. Starting pitcher Jimmy Key signs for four years at $17 million while outfielder Paul O'Neill (Cincinnati) and pitcher Jim Abbott (Angels) arrive via trades.

Mike Gallego and Danny Tartabull

For 1992: Unable to sign Barry Bonds, the Yankess settle on Danny Tartabull, handing him a five-year deal worth $25.5 million. Free agent infielder Mike Gallego arrives at a more reasonable $5.1 million for three years. For 1991: Free agent starters Scott Sanderson (two-years, $4.5 million) and Mike Witt (three years, $6 million) are the big name additions as the lean years settle in.

Pascual Perez

For 1990: Eccentric starting pitcher Pascual Perez is signed for three years at $5.7 million while former Mets wunderkind Tim Leary, who is no longer a wunder or a kind, arrives from Cincinnati via trade.

Mel Hall, Andy Hawkins, and Steve Sax

For 1989: The headline deal is the signing of former Dodger second-sacker Steve Sax (three years, $4 million) to replace longtime standout Willie Randolph. Sax will mostly become famous in New York for developing the yips. The Yankees also try to fortifying their starting staff with the likes of Andy Hawkins (three years, $3.6 million) and Dave Lapoint (three years, $2.5 million). Moody slugger Mel Hall arrives via trade with Cleveland during spring training.

Jack Clark

For 1988: Former Giants slugger Jack Clark (two years, $3 million) is the marquee name. The Yankees also add crumbling veteran pitchers John Candelaria (one year worth $700,000) and Rich Dotson (trade with the White Sox).

Rick Rhoden

For 1987: Starting pitchers Charles Hudson (Philles) and Rick Rhoden (Pirates) arrive via trade. The Rhoden deal later becomes infamous for sending future ace Doug Drabek to Pittsburgh. For 1986: Mike Easler (trade)

Ed Whitson and Rickey Henderson

For 1985: Pitcher Ed Whitson -- manager Billy Martin's future sparring partner and boo-bird target -- is signed for five years at $4.25 million. The big fish is master basethief and egocentric malingerer Rickey Henderson, who lands a five-year deal worth $8.6 million and later reveals that "Rickey runs when Billy tells him to runs."

Phil Niekro

For 1984: Unceremoniously evicted from his longtime home with the Braves, ancient knuckleballeer Phil Niekro is signed for two years at $1.4 million. Former All-Star third sacker Toby Harrah arrives via trade from Cleveland, his use-by date having expired.

Don Baylor and Steve Kemp

For 1983: Trying to bulk up an anemic lineup, the Yankees sign heavyweight slugger Don Baylor for four years at $3.7 million, and former Tigers rightfielder Steve Kemp for five years at $5.45 million.

Ken Griffey

For 1982: After Boss George decides to turn the Bronx Bombers into the speedy Bronx Burners, the Yankees acquire outfielder Ken Griffey in a trade with Cincinnati, and sign swift ex-Reds outfielder Dave Collins to a three-year deal worth $2.25 million. Griffey and Collins will spend much of the season in search of a permanent position. Starting pitcher Shane Rawley arrives from Seattle via trade.

Dave Winfield

For 1981: Determined to get back to the World Series for the first time in three years, the Yankees make a huge splash by signing former Padres slugger and All-Star outfield Dave Winfield to a monster 10-year deal worth $23 million. Winfield will famously go on to be labeled "Mr. May" by Steinbrenner for his postseason struggles, including a particularly miserable World Series.

Tommy John and Luis Tiant

For 1979: The two-time defending World Series champions fortify their starting pitching by signing medical marvel Tommy John (four years, $1.4 million) and former Red Sox icon Luis Tiant (two years, $875,000), who later declares "It's great to be with a wiener!" while shilling for Yankees Franks.

Goose Gossage

For 1978: Closer Sparky Lyle famously goes from Cy Young to Sayonara as the Yankees sign free agent Goose Gossage (6 years, $2.75). Starer Andy Messersmith is purchased from Atlanta for $100,000 and becomes Carl "American Idle" Pavano's ancestor by appearing in only six games for New due to injury. Middle reliever Rawly Eastwick is given a five-year deal worth $1.1 millon.

Reggie Jackson and Don Gullett

For 1977: Steinbrenner goes for the gusto by signing former A's slugger Reggie "Mr. October" Jackson to a five-year deal worth $2.9 million, thus ushering in the tumultous, if successful, Bronx Zoo era. Former Red ace Don Gullett is signed for six years at $2 million but spends much of his two years in the Bronx nursing arm woes.

Ed Figueroa, Dock Ellis, and Mickey Rivers

For 1976: Key components of the Yankees' return to glory arrive via trades with the Angels (beloved speedy centerfielder Mickey "the Great Gozzlehead" Rivers and starting pitcher Ed Figueroa) and Pirates (starter Dock Ellis and second base mainstay Willie Randolph).

Bobby Bonds and Catfish Hunter

For 1975: The free agency era dawns with George Steinbrenner making the first of his huge splashes by signing former Oakland A's ace Catfish Hunter for five years at then-astronomical $3.3.5 million. Big name outfielder Bobby Bonds is acquired from the Giants via trade.

Notable Yankees Offseason Moves