Friday, December 16, 2005
Yankees waiting on Nomar
12/16/2005
NEW YORK -- The Yankees are still waiting for Nomar Garciaparra to decide where he will play in 2006, as the five-time All-Star chooses between New York and three other clubs.
The waiting doesn't appear to be much of a problem for the Yankees, who would use Garciaparra as a "jack of all trades" at several positions, including first base, designated hitter and possibly the outfield.
In addition to the Yankees, Garciaparra is considering the Indians, Astros and Dodgers.
"Nomar continues to talk with players, friends and family members," said Arn Tellem, Garciaparra's agent, in an e-mail. "He is weighing his options carefully and while he has no plans on making a decision [Friday] he intends to do so in the near future."
General manager Brian Cashman spent Friday completing a trade with the Marlins for left-handed reliever Ron Villone, pushing Garciaparra and the rest of the free agent market to the background for the day.
"I've been focused since last night on this particular deal," Cashman said. "I haven't really engaged with anybody on the free agent market since things heated up with the Florida Marlins."
If the Yankees do not sign Garciaparra, that would leave Andy Phillips as the backup first baseman/designated hitter. New York has also discussed bringing back Miguel Cairo as a utility infielder, a role he filled in 2004 before leaving for the Mets in 2005.
Even though the Dodgers inked Bill Mueller to play third base, Garciaparra is being looked at to fill a spot in left field in Los Angeles. Garciaparra, who met with Dodgers brass on Thursday and Friday, also played for new manager Grady Little in 2002-03 with the Red Sox.
Los Angeles could have an advantage over the other three teams in the hunt for Garciaparra, as he and his wife, soccer legend Mia Hamm, live in suburban Manhattan Beach.
Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/
NEW YORK -- The Yankees are still waiting for Nomar Garciaparra to decide where he will play in 2006, as the five-time All-Star chooses between New York and three other clubs.
The waiting doesn't appear to be much of a problem for the Yankees, who would use Garciaparra as a "jack of all trades" at several positions, including first base, designated hitter and possibly the outfield.
In addition to the Yankees, Garciaparra is considering the Indians, Astros and Dodgers.
"Nomar continues to talk with players, friends and family members," said Arn Tellem, Garciaparra's agent, in an e-mail. "He is weighing his options carefully and while he has no plans on making a decision [Friday] he intends to do so in the near future."
General manager Brian Cashman spent Friday completing a trade with the Marlins for left-handed reliever Ron Villone, pushing Garciaparra and the rest of the free agent market to the background for the day.
"I've been focused since last night on this particular deal," Cashman said. "I haven't really engaged with anybody on the free agent market since things heated up with the Florida Marlins."
If the Yankees do not sign Garciaparra, that would leave Andy Phillips as the backup first baseman/designated hitter. New York has also discussed bringing back Miguel Cairo as a utility infielder, a role he filled in 2004 before leaving for the Mets in 2005.
Even though the Dodgers inked Bill Mueller to play third base, Garciaparra is being looked at to fill a spot in left field in Los Angeles. Garciaparra, who met with Dodgers brass on Thursday and Friday, also played for new manager Grady Little in 2002-03 with the Red Sox.
Los Angeles could have an advantage over the other three teams in the hunt for Garciaparra, as he and his wife, soccer legend Mia Hamm, live in suburban Manhattan Beach.
Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/
