Yanks keep Posada and wait on Rivera

With Jorge Posada remaining in pinstripes, next up on the Yankees’

docket is Mariano Rivera.

Posada, the free-agent backstop, still has to take a physical and the

two sides have to handle some contract language. But according to a

Yankee source, the team will have an agreement as soon as today with

Posada, its All-Star catcher and emotional leader.

Posada will receive a four-year deal for approximately $52 million,

which would be an average value of around $13 million per year. The

Yankees’ exclusivity period with him ended last night.

Hank Steinbrenner said that both Posada and Rivera would be receiving

increased offers yesterday, pending the Yankees’ ability to actually

reach them, or presumably their representatives.

Posada’s most recent offer was for approximately three years and $40

million, while Rivera’s was for three years and $39 million.

“We are engaged with agents,” GM Brian Cashman said yesterday when

asked about the increases. “When the players make a decision, we will

have something to talk about.”

On Sunday, Posada said he was nearing a deal with the Yanks, saying

that “we’re working on it with the Yankees,” and adding, “My first

priority is the Yankees. My heart is with the Yankees.” The Mets also

have – or had – interest in Posada.

Posada ranks as the best catcher on the free-agent market, owning a

career .277 average, hitting at least 20 homers seven different times

and driving in at least 80 runs seven different occasions as well.

This past year he batted .338 with 20 homers, 90 RBIs and a .426

on-base percentage.

As for Rivera, he told the AP yesterday, “The Yankees are my first

option. But if that is not possible, there is Joe [Torre] with the

Dodgers.”

By preparing to bring Posada back with a four-year deal and by

potentially upping their offer to Rivera as well, there is risk on

both the team and player side. For the Yankees, the gamble comes

because of the age of each. Posada turned 36 in August, and while he

had a terrific season, inking him to a four-year pact is a risk.

Rivera, meanwhile, turns 38 later this month. The future Hall of Famer

remains a star closer, posting a 3.15 ERA with 30 saves this past

season. But a three- or four-year guarantee to him is also a gamble.

As for the players’ risk, theirs comes with the Yankees’ situation

being somewhat unknown. The Yankees have a new manager and have

seemingly lost their best player (in Alex Rodriguez). Andy Pettitte is

also a free agent.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have shown some interest in free agent Chris

Gomez, who would act as their utility man. The 36-year-old Gomez

played with Baltimore and Cleveland this past season, hitting a

combined .297 with a homer and 21 RBIs in 222 at-bats. The Yankees

have also had interest in Gomez in the past, so this is a renewed

desire.

“We have contact,” Cashman said of free agents. “We’ve had

discussions with agents. See if it fits.”

Gomez played first base, second base and third base this past year,

and he also has experience at shortstop. This past season the Yankees

used both Miguel Cairo and Wilson Betemit as utility players. Cairo is

no longer with the Yankees and is now a free agent.