MLB: New York Yankees Trade for Catcher Chris Stewart Before Finalizing Roster
April 4, 2012 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It was a busy day for the Yankees today, as several moves were made in an effort to bolster the team’s minor league depth and finalize the Opening Day roster.
The Yankees first traded minor league pitcher George Kontos to the Giants for catcher Chris Stewart.
Stewart, who will be on his second stint with the team, is more of a defensive-minded catcher.
Last season, he threw out 39 percent of potential base stealers while hitting just .204/.283/.309 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 162 at-bats.
In Buster Posey’s absence last season, Stewart caught 63 games. When he was behind the plate, Giants pitchers recorded a 2.70 ERA, as opposed to 3.43 when he wasn’t.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees sent catcher Francisco Cervelli down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Cervelli was the favorite to land the backup catcher’s job this spring, but seeing as Stewart was out of options, he had to be sent down.
Even though Stewart won’t provide much in the way of offense, he figures to make valuable contributions behind the dish during the season.
If he falters for some reason, the Yankees will still have Cervelli to fall back on.
With David Phelps making the big league team as a long reliever, the Yankees were a little thin in the Triple-A rotation.
The remedy for that?
Journeyman right-hander Ramon Ortiz.
At 39, Ortiz is clearly in the tail-end of his career.
Last season with the Cubs, he made two starts and 20 relief appearances. His 4.86 ERA was his best single season ERA since his 2004 season with the Angels.
He was cut earlier in the week by the Giants after allowing six runs (three earned) in 10 2/3 innings this spring.
The Yankees also designated outfielder Justin Maxwell for assignment today. Even with his fantastic spring, the team was not able to find a spot on the Opening Day roster for him.
The team had no choice but to designate him for assignment, as he is out of minor league options. There will surely be interest in the young outfielder, and it’s likely that he will be claimed off of waivers.
Now, with the Opening Day roster finalized after a very busy day, the Yankees will look to begin the season strong and work towards winning No. 28.
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