David Robertson Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star Pitcher
November 10, 2014 · R. Cory Smith · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson has turned down the Yankees’ qualifying offer ahead of the deadline. However, Robertson might still be in pinstripes again as the two sides reportedly continue to work on a deal.
Continue for updates.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Robertson Seeking Record Deal
Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York reported what he was hearing about David Robertson’s hopes for his next contract:
New York Yankees free-agent closer David Robertson turned down the chance to have the highest closer salary for one season in baseball history. Now, he has his eyes on the largest contract ever given to a reliever.
Robertson is looking for “Papelbon money” in initial talks with teams, a baseball official with knowledge of the discussions told ESPNNewYork.com.
In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies signedJonathan Papelbon to the richest overall reliever contract, a four-year, $50 million deal. If Papelbon finishes 15 games in 2015, his contract vests for a fifth year at another $13 million, making it a total of five years and $63 million.
If Robertson and his agent, Scott Leventhal, can persuade one team to offer “Papelbon money,” it is doubtful the Yankees would match. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is not a big believer in paying relievers not named Mariano Rivera such large amounts on a multiyear deal.
Monday, Nov. 10
The latest on Robertson was passed along by Jack Curry of the YES Network:
Robertson took over the closer role early in the 2014 season but had some up-and-down results. Ultimately, he finished with a 4-5 record with 39 saves, five blown opportunities and 96 strikeouts with 23 walks.
Despite a $15.3 million offer for one season by the Yanks, Robertson opted to turn down the deal. Joel Sherman of The New York Post offers his take on the move by Robertson:
Jason Catania of Bleacher Report passes along what this might mean for New York:
An All-Star in 2011, Robertson has been dependable for several seasons in New York. But filling a role like Mariano Rivera for the Yankees is no easy task for any relief pitcher.
If the Yankees are unable to sign Robertson, they would receive draft-pick compensation in the upcoming draft. However, they would be left with a huge role to fill in the bullpen if Robertson signs with another team.
With Dellin Betances shining last season with a 1.40 ERA and earning an All-Star appearance, the Yankees have another young arm. But losing an experienced reliever like Robertson might be a crucial blow for a team that finished 84-78 and missed the playoffs in 2014.
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