Alex Rodriguez, who is expected to return to the Yankees lineup in 2015, looks like he won't be playing much third base next season. On top of adding a third baseman on Monday, New York made a low-key signing on Tuesday to help ready their starting rotation for the 2015 season.
Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman spoke with The Associated Press during a phone interview on Tuesday and provided some insight to reporters regarding third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The three-time MVP was suspended for the entire 2014 season due to his association with Tony Bosch and Biogenesis of America, which was the largest performance-enhancing drug scandal to hit Major League Baseball.
Due to concerns with his ability to play the field along with his longevity and health, Cashman told the AP he "can't expect Alex to be anything" heading in 2015. The GM previously spoke with Rodriguez about potentially playing some first base since the health of Mark Teixeira has also been an issue, but it doesn't even look like that will be the case.
"Even before the suspension, he wasn't the same player at third base on the defensive or offensive side," Cashman said. "We look forward to him hopefully solidifying himself as a tremendous DH for us."
Rodriguez is still owed $61 million over the next three seasons. New York signed third baseman Chase Headley to a four-year, $52 million deal to shoot down any speculation regarding who will be playing the position next year.
New York is also bringing back pitcher Chris Capuano on a one-year, $5 million contract, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York. General manager Brian Cashman acquired Capuano from the Colorado Rockies prior to the trade deadline this past season when the starting rotation was in shambles from numerous injuries. The 36-year-old is entering his 11th MLB season and will compete for the No. 5 spot in the team's starting rotation.
In 12 starts for New York last season, Capuano compiled a 2-3 record with a 4.25 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. The left-hander was contemplating signing with a Japanese team, but it appears he's moved on from that decision to sign with the Yanks. Despite a few shaky outings toward the end of the season, Capuano notched six quality starts, but only got wins for two of them. The signing of the veteran further indicates New York will not make a run at right-hander Max Scherzer.
It will be interesting to see how the new-look Yankees perform in 2015.
