All Things Bubba

The wheeling and dealing seems to be picking up. A lot of deals announced today, most notably Lieber to the Cubs.

This week's Yankees Mailbag has a bit about Andy Phillips:

I don't understand why the Yankees let Andy Phillips go. He played perfect defense for the team last year, and aside from his home run total, he beat or matched almost every offensive stat from his 2006 season in roughly half the number of games played.
-- Mike B., Southwick, Mass.

It's easy to root for a guy like Phillips, a legitimately good guy who has had to endure so much heartache. Phillips declined an option to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this offseason and elected free agency when given the chance, and he has found a new home with the Reds, with whom he may have a better shot at making the Opening Day roster.

With Jason Giambi, Shelley Duncan and Wilson Betemit all under contract, there just seemed to be too many cooks in the kitchen at first base -- actually, some would say there still are. Phillips did the Yankees a favor by going to Triple-A last year and, after working into their starting first baseman for a stretch, likely would have seen playing time in the playoffs if he hadn't been injured. Yet even Phillips would agree that a fresh start might be just what his career needs.

I have to agree. The Yanks DFA'd Andy twice. He was right to try and find a team who will value him more than the Yankees do.

Labels: Andy Phillips