Yankees add David Aardsma
he Yankees announced today they have signed David Aardsma, a 30-year-old righty who saved 69 games in 2009 and 2010 for the Seattle Mariners but did not pitch last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery last July 22.
Brian Cashman, who just announced the deal in the Yankees clubhouse, called the signing "an R&D move'' -- for Research & Development -- meaning Aardsma, who will immediately be placed on the DL, is targeted more for next year than this season, although the GM did not rule out the possibility that Aardsma could pitch in the second half of the 2012 season.
"He's about a month behind Joba,'' Cashman said, referring to Joba Chamberlain, who had his surgery last June. "He's a guy who could help us this year, but who we expect to help us next year.''
Can't complain. Aardsma is a hard thrower and, for $100K, it's a low cost potential high reward move. The Yanks have done historically well with bringing in guys recovering from missed seasons for pocket change and having them contribute.
