GaryMrMets
01-06-2006, 11:57 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/story/380486p-323093c.html
Cairo's a Yank, Leiter in plans
The Yankees announced a one-year deal with utility infielder Miguel Cairo yesterday, and also had discussions to bring back lefty Al Leiter. The Yanks are talking to Leiter's agents about a nonroster invitation to spring training, where he would compete for a bullpen job and offer insurance. Leiter had talked at the end of last season about possibly retiring, but "he's receptive to this," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said.
Cairo, 31, will be paid $1 million next season and back up every infield spot. He said in a telephone interview yesterday he could even play the outfield in an emergency - he played three games there for the Mets last season. "He's a guy we had two years ago who played very well for us," Cashman said. "We know the situation doesn't intimidate him. He was good in the clubhouse, he's athletic and he can steal a bag. He's a likeable teammate, likes to compete."
"I'm just happy to be back in pinstripes," said Cairo, who batted .251 with two homers and 19 RBI in 100 games for the Mets last year. He hit .292 with six homers and 42 RBI in 122 games for the Yankees in 2004, winning the second base job mid-year.
Cairo and the Yanks had agreed on the deal more than a week ago, but the announcement was delayed until he took a physical. Cairo underwent an exam Wednesday in Tampa.
Leiter, 40, was 7-12 with a 6.13 ERA for the Marlins and Yankees last season.
Anthony McCarron
Originally published on January 6, 2006
Cairo's a Yank, Leiter in plans
The Yankees announced a one-year deal with utility infielder Miguel Cairo yesterday, and also had discussions to bring back lefty Al Leiter. The Yanks are talking to Leiter's agents about a nonroster invitation to spring training, where he would compete for a bullpen job and offer insurance. Leiter had talked at the end of last season about possibly retiring, but "he's receptive to this," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said.
Cairo, 31, will be paid $1 million next season and back up every infield spot. He said in a telephone interview yesterday he could even play the outfield in an emergency - he played three games there for the Mets last season. "He's a guy we had two years ago who played very well for us," Cashman said. "We know the situation doesn't intimidate him. He was good in the clubhouse, he's athletic and he can steal a bag. He's a likeable teammate, likes to compete."
"I'm just happy to be back in pinstripes," said Cairo, who batted .251 with two homers and 19 RBI in 100 games for the Mets last year. He hit .292 with six homers and 42 RBI in 122 games for the Yankees in 2004, winning the second base job mid-year.
Cairo and the Yanks had agreed on the deal more than a week ago, but the announcement was delayed until he took a physical. Cairo underwent an exam Wednesday in Tampa.
Leiter, 40, was 7-12 with a 6.13 ERA for the Marlins and Yankees last season.
Anthony McCarron
Originally published on January 6, 2006