Yankees Focus On The Pen

After talks for Johan Santana went south and the Yankees re-signed all their big free agents; Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte, the Yankees focus has been said to be moved toward their bullpen which does seem to be their weakest point.

On December 5, ESPN Insider stated that lefty Ron Mahay has a list of five teams he would be willing to sign with; Rays, Yankees, Royals, Giants and Astros.

If he is looking to go to the most competitive team, the Yankees would be his best choice and the Yankees are rumored to be the front runners in the Mahay sweepstakes.

Mahay is 36 years old and is reported to be seeking a three year deal worth about $12 million.

The Yankees have also reportedly reached out to Luis Vizcaino's agent in hope of re-signing the 33 year old.

Vizcaino was acquired by the Yankees as part of the Randy Johnson deal that sent Johnson back to the Arizona Diamond Backs last season. Vizcaino made 77 appearance, pitching over 75 innings out of the pen and proving to be a very important piece of the Yankees puzzle.

Vizcaino and Mahay could be like the Mike Stanton and Jeff Nelson combination to be a bridge to Mariano Rivera. The Yankees also have Kyle Farnsworth and it has been reported that Cashman insists that they are not shopping him and look for him to be the set-up man for Rivera.

Farnsworth however can not pitch on back to back days while Vizcaino is very durable in the pen and last season Mahay pitched 67 innings himself.

That trio could mix very well with some of their other young talent such as Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Kei Igawa, Sean Henn as well as other suitors for the bullpen.