MrAndMrsFish Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 NEW YORK (AP) Al Leiter decided against retirement for now, agreeing Friday to a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees. The 40-year-old left-hander would get a $1.5 million, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster and could earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. Leiter was cut by the Florida Marlins on July 14 after going 3-7 with a 6.64 ERA. The Yankees, desperate for pitching after a series of injuries, acquired him two days later, and he started and got a key win against the Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 17. He went 4-5 with a 5.49 ERA in 10 starts and six relief appearances with the Yankees but struggled with his control, walking 38 and striking out 45 in 62 1-3 innings. He said late in the season he wasn't sure whether he wanted to retire or pitch in 2006. New York added two left-handed relievers during the offseason, signing free agent Mike Myers and acquiring Ron Villone from the Marlins. If Leiter makes the roster, it probably would be as a situational left-hander. He held left-handed batters to a .221 average (17-for-77) during the regular season with the Yankees. In Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Angels, Leiter got the win when relieved Shawn Chacon in the seventh inning and got Darin Erstad to hit into an inning-ending double play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accord Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I thought he said he was retiring after this season and coming to work in the booth with Rich and Tommy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Punisher Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I thought so too! I guess the penny pinching Marlins didn't offer anything? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinsFans46 Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I thought so too! I guess the penny pinching Marlins didn't offer anything? It wouldn't be the Marlins doing the hiring - it would be FSN Florida. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FishFanInPA Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I like this signing...what happens if the batting practice machines break....cheap alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accord Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I like this signing...what happens if the batting practice machines break....cheap alternative. :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureGM Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I like this signing...what happens if the batting practice machines break....cheap alternative. I think that's about his only usefulness at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I like this signing...what happens if the batting practice machines break....cheap alternative. I think that's about his only usefulness at this point. Actually if you watched the playoffs last year, he is money in the bank against Darin Erstad...he made him look silly at least four separate times. Otherwise I agree with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 I like this signing...what happens if the batting practice machines break....cheap alternative. I think that's about his only usefulness at this point. Only if they want to work on a batters control to avoid swinging at balls out of the strike zone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.