Despite the emergence of the Rangers as a possible home for Kyle Farnsworth, the Yankees remain positive the gas-throwing righty reliever will land in The Bronx. However, when it came to Tom Gordon staying in pinstripes, the Yanks weren’t so sure.
Yesterday afternoon, it appeared Gordon was ready to accept a two-year offer from the Yankees in the $11-$12 million range. According to a person familiar with the situation, the 38-year-old right-hander was “moving along with it.”
So, it appeared the Yankees’ rebuilt bullpen would have Gordon and the hard-throwing Farnsworth in front of Mariano Rivera and include Tanyon Sturtze and a lefty specialist, most likelyMikeMyers.
But then it was announced last night the closer-starved Phillies and Gordon agreed last night on a three-year contract for $18 million.
The Phillies, who refused to give 34-year-old stud closer Billy Wagner a four-year pact and lost him to the Mets, also had been talking to the 38-year-old Trevor Hoffman, formerly of San Diego.
Gordon and Hoffman are represented by the same agent, Rick Thurman, who said Wednesday that something would happen with Gordon within 48 to 72 hours.
Cleveland and Baltimore also were interested in Gordon, who appeared in 159 games (80 and 79) for the Yanks.
Now that the Yankees have lost Gordon, they could turn to free agent Julian Tavarez, late of the Cardinals. Former Yankee reliever Jason Grimsley, who has a rebuilt right arm, doesn’t interest them. He could land with the
Rangers.
As for getting the 29-year-old Farnsworth, the Yankees are confident he will be in pinstripes after a day filled with conversation between GM Brian Cashman, George Steinbrenner and agent BarryMeister.
Braves GM John Schuerholz stuck to his story that he was told by Farnsworth’s rep the pitcher was going to the Yankees and nothing the club heard yesterday had the Yankees doubting that. Yet, the price may be more than the $17.5 million for three years.
Farnsworth, who split last year with the Tigers and Braves, and the Yankees talked about a three-year deal worth $17 million and a four-year deal for close to $24 million. Now, it appears Farnsworth will bag $6 million a year or more for three years.