All Things Bubba

Wow. Last I heard, Cashman considered Vizcaino an indispensable part of the bullpen. But not enough to offer him a long-term contract. Like Andy Phillips, Vizcaino is moving on.

The Yankees also learned yesterday they are without two pieces of last year's strong second half. Vizcaino, who appeared in a team-high 77 games, refused arbitration and is a free agent. First baseman Andy Phillips declined an outright to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and will become a free agent Monday.

Vizcaino wanted to remain a Yankee, but they weren't willing to go beyond one year and the market was yielding three- and four-year deals for relievers.

George King was surprised Andy refused an outright assignment to Scranton:

Phillips' departure is puzzling. With Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Giambi to play first, the Yankees don't have All-Stars ahead of Phillips, who batted .292 in 61 games (49 starts) last year and was the starter until fracturing a bone in the right wrist on Sept. 2 that ended his season.

"I think it's time for a fresh start for him," agent Rex Gary said. "Had he not gotten hurt he would have been the first baseman during the postseason."

I'm not that surprised. It's clear that the Yankees don't see Andy as part of their future. Why should he hang around in Scranton, hoping someone gets hurt? Maybe another team will give him a chance to make a big league roster. If not, the Yankees' offer will probably still be open.

Labels: Andy Phillips