John Olerud is done in The Bronx and Jon Lieber is close to leaving the Yankees for the Phillies.
Olerud, who wasn’t offered arbitration by the Yankees last night because, had he accepted, he could have cost the Yankees upward of $7 million, can’t negotiate with the Yankees until May 1. That means he won’t return.
Lieber, who was offered arbitration, and the Phillies are close to a three-year deal for $21 million. Lieber, who made $3.5 million in base salary last year when he went 14-8 with a 4.33 ERA in 27 starts, could have been retained for next season if the Yankees had picked up an $8 million option and not let him get to free agency.
The Yankees will continue their pursuit of Eric Milton, Al Leiter, Pedro Martinez and Carl Pavano. None has been made an offer. And don’t bet against the Randy Johnson trade coming alive again.
According to a team source, the decision to let Olerud go was made before Jason Giambi’s pinstriped future was clouded when his grand jury testimony was leaked.
While the Yankees appreciated Olerud hitting .280 in 49 games after getting released by the Mariners, they were wary of having to pay him more than $7 million.
Olerud, Travis Lee and Tony Clark weren’t offered arbitration. That leaves the Yankees looking for a first baseman since Giambi isn’t expected back.
Richie Sexson, who was offered arbitration by Arizona, and Carlos Delgado, who was the subject of debate within the Blue Jays’ organization concerning arbitration, are possibilities at first.