Cairo back in the Bronx?

[Jaeho]

http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/59339.htm

For the second straight offseason, Miguel Cairo appears as if he will be joining a different team in the same city.

Cairo, the free-agent veteran who played this past year with the Mets and played in 2004 with the Yankees, looks to be headed back to The Bronx. The Yankees are getting close on a one-year deal with the infielder.

There is also a bit about Eduardo Perez.

The Yankees are believed to be interested in free agent Eduardo Perez, who hit .255 with 11 homers and a .368 OBP in just 161 at-bats with Tampa Bay this past year. The 36-year-old Perez, a right-handed hitter who played mostly first base in 2005, hit 10 of those homers in 137 at-bats against lefties. He also clobbered the Yankees this past year, going deep four times in 17 at-bats.

[Yankees1962]

There is also a bit about Eduardo Perez

TB offered arbitration to Perez so I don't know what compensation the Yankees will have to give in order to sign him? I don't see the Yankees giving up draft picks for this player because he's not good enough for that.

[yankeebot]

I always liked Cairo and he would be fine as our utility guy. I don't really see how Perez helps us much.

[noneckwilliams]

Yuck. Never understood all the Cairo love around here.

[JDPNYY]

Yuck. Never understood all the Cairo love around here.

I'm with you on that noneck.

[Nome]

I'm with you on that noneck.

ditto. Cairo, at best is a journeyman player who had one great year with the Yanks

[YankeePride1967]

Yuck. Never understood all the Cairo love around here.

Last year, he was the anti-Enrique.

[Matsui55]

TB offered arbitration to Perez so I don't know what compensation the Yankees will have to give in order to sign him? I don't see the Yankees giving up draft picks for this player because he's not good enough for that.

Neither Cairo nor Perez would cost the Yanks draft picks. Cairo wasn't offered arbitration, so he is free to go. Perez might have been, but he wasn't an A or B level FA, so no picks (not C either because he's been a FA before).

I would like Cairo to be brought back. He can play SS, 3B and 2B. We need some insurance, as we sure don't have any in AAA.

Perez is just fine as a bench guy. You can never have enough proven PH with power, who can also pick up a glove after the AB. He can also be part of the DH rotation, if so desired.

Right now, I like the way the bench is rounding out.

Stinnett is already the backup C. With Cairo and Perez, the backup INF are covered. Bring back Bernie and get DeVanon in a trade (he was DFA'd by the Angels), and your bench is done.

If the Yanks could get the bench done this early, they could really focus exclusively on the pen, as between DeVanon and Crosby (though I don't consider Crosby a ML OF), CF should be covered until the trade deadline.

[Bub]

Where's Bellhorn? We need a cheap insurance policy for A-Rod, and unless there's an injury the backup's not playing.

[longtimeyankeefan]

Where's Bellhorn? We need a cheap insurance policy for A-Rod, and unless there's an injury the backup's not playing.

Cairo >>> Bellhorn

No thanks

[Bub]

Cairo >>> Bellhorn

No thanks

Defensively? What little we saw of Bellhorn playing defense was very impressive. Utility players are primarily there for defense, not offense.

[shroud]

Cairo can play almost all infield positions and he'd come cheap, whats wrong with signing him? He's a guy thats shown he can play in YS.

[Bub]

Cairo can play almost all infield positions and he'd come cheap, whats wrong with signing him? He's a guy thats shown he can play in YS.

Nothing wrong at all. Like I said, he'd take the utility role and can play a decent defense at all 4 infield positions. I'm just wondering what happened to Bellhorn...did he get released, or did his contract expire?

[noneckwilliams]

Where's Bellhorn? We need a cheap insurance policy for A-Rod, and unless there's an injury the backup's not playing.

I like Bellhorn as well. I don't know what the saber numbers say but he's seems very very solid as a defender and could potentially find his stroke again. We know he can draw a walk and hit with power - something Miggy can't do.

[Bub]

Just checked around....Bellhorn declined a AAA contract for the Yankees and is now a free-agent.

[vegematarian]

Yuck. Never understood all the Cairo love around here.

Because the Yanks went from Wilson to Cairo.

[38Special]

Cairo hit well for us and could play a couple positions. I'd prefer Graffanino but he'll cost a draft pick. Cairo was well liked around here, and fit in well in the clubhouse (which does matter). Make it happen.

[Yankees13]

Perez kills lefties, had a 897 OPS against them last year. Cairo is a poor hitter, but can play almost any position and has been here before.

[costanza35]

i would be glad to take Cairo back... i liked his style of play 2 years ago and he always seemed to have a good attitude with the team.

[dabomb2045]

I like going after Perez...if used in the right way, he can be a good offensive threat

Cairo?? eh, whatever. I guess that eliminates us from going after Nomar to be our utility guy

[nojoke]

I wonder if Cairo could play outfield (just throwing it out there).

Cairo wasn't so hot with NYM last year, but you could give him the benefit of doubt with the change in leagues/pitchers.

[BJG]

I wonder if Cairo could play outfield (just throwing it out there).

Cairo wasn't so hot with NYM last year, but you could give him the benefit of doubt with the change in leagues/pitchers.

He spent 2001, 2002, and 2003 in the NL.

Anyway, Cairo had a flukey season to say the least in 2004. The thing the Yankees need the most out of this position is someone who can sit Cano down against lefties. Even for a right handed batter, I'm not sure if Cairo does this, which is kind of scary.

[BJG]

Cairo?? eh, whatever. I guess that eliminates us from going after Nomar to be our utility guy

Why? Nomar would be signed to play every day at a few different positions. Cairo or Bellhorn or Graffanino would be signed to sit on the bench most of the time. Nomar would have nothing to do with having a backup middle infielder on that bench.

[GimeMoMuny]

I wonder if Cairo could play outfield (just throwing it out there).

From the article linked in the thread's first post:

Cairo can be a versatile player. He played five different positions with the Mets last year. He spent 82 games at second base but also played eight at first, three at third, two in left field and one in right.

I think he would only be likely to play OF in a pinch.

Cairo wasn't so hot with NYM last year, but you could give him the benefit of doubt with the change in leagues/pitchers.

I would think it's more that he regressed to his pre '04 production level, which the Yankees were correct in assuming would happen (why they thought Womack wouldn't is another thread).

[dabomb2045]

Why? Nomar would be signed to play every day at a few different positions. Cairo or Bellhorn or Graffanino would be signed to sit on the bench most of the time. Nomar would have nothing to do with having a backup middle infielder on that bench.

where can Nomar play everyday?? I know everyone is gung-ho about him maybe playing CF, but how do we know he is capable of doing that?? I'm willing to bet he hasnt played the OF since he was in high school or maybe even Little League

DH?? maybe...although I wonder if he would be willing to sign on just to be a DH, he could probably find an infield job somewhere

[BJG]

where can Nomar play everyday?? I know everyone is gung-ho about him maybe playing CF, but how do we know he is capable of doing that?? I'm willing to bet he hasnt played the OF since he was in high school or maybe even Little League

DH?? maybe...although I wonder if he would be willing to sign on just to be a DH, he could probably find an infield job somewhere

Just about every team that is interested in him is interested in him in a role where he plays a little infield, a little outfield, etc. In some way, shape, or form, he's going to get his at bats. He certainly isn't signing anywhere to sit on the bench and play once a week - maybe - like your typical backup middle infielder does. That is the role that Cairo would play. There's a big difference.

[Blaze]

I'm with you on that noneck.

Amen, I would much rather see Graffanino here.

[38Special]

Nomar is not going to come to the Yankees unless he gets an everyday job, and he wont. He needs to secure a long term deal after 06. He'll get a job in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, LA, or some other places

[dabomb2045]

Nomar is not going to come to the Yankees unless he gets an everyday job, and he wont. He needs to secure a long term deal after 06. He'll get a job in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, LA, or some other places

I agree...I think he'll end up with the Indians. Unless he wants to be a DH or wants to try to play a position he's never played before...he isnt coming here.

[BJG]

I agree...I think he'll end up with the Indians. Unless he wants to be a DH or wants to try to play a position he's never played before...he isnt coming here.

If he ends up with the Indians (or Dodgers), he won't be playing SS. Really, at this point, no matter where he goes, he's likely to move around the diamond.

[38Special]

he's definitely going to be a 3B or 1B, not a SS

[BJG]

he's definitely going to be a 3B or 1B, not a SS

The Orioles wanted him at 1B, but now that they have Hernandez at C and Lopez at 1B, they would use him in the OF.

The Indians want him for RF.

The D-Backs want him for CF.

The Pirates want him at 3B.

The Dodgers want him at 3B.

The Twins want him at 3B.

The Braves are interested in him as a LF.

The Jays are interested in him in the OF.

It ain't just 1B or 3B. Heck, only one team really wanted him at 1B, and right now, they seem to have addressed that issue but still have holes in the OF.

[dabomb2045]

The Orioles wanted him at 1B, but now that they have Hernandez at C and Lopez at 1B, they would use him in the OF.

The Indians want him for RF.

The D-Backs want him for CF.

The Pirates want him at 3B.

The Dodgers want him at 3B.

The Twins want him at 3B.

The Braves are interested in him as a LF.

The Jays are interested in him in the OF.

It ain't just 1B or 3B. Heck, only one team really wanted him at 1B, and right now, they seem to have addressed that issue but still have holes in the OF.

I thought I remember hearing the Indians wanted him at 3B....but perhaps I heard wrong. In that case, I change my prediction....he will end up either in Pitt, Minny or LA. He will go somewhere where he can play the infield.

[38Special]

I just cant see him in the outfield with his achilles

[WebsterMulligan]

Amazing that Garciaparra once considered one of the best AL SS, is now struggling to find a position. Before his injuries, I thought he was going to be an all-time great player.

I would definitely take him to be a full-time utility/DH guy.

[Dooley Womack]

Cairo! (Mets fans really loved him..LOL) Eduardo Perez! Bernie! Getting younger! Wooohooo!

So continues the fascination with ex-Yankees, regardless of worth. Where's all the flexibility?

[goin for 27]

Yuck. Never understood all the Cairo love around here.

Agreed. Sounds more and more like if they add Cairo, Perez and Bernie, it is a broken down, inflexible bench.

Benches have been too underrated for a long time in the Bronx.

If this is the bench, they better get a DH and CF'er pronto.

[BJG]

Agreed. Sounds more and more like if they add Cairo, Perez and Bernie, it is a broken down, inflexible bench.

Benches have been too underrated for a long time in the Bronx.

If this is the bench, they better get a DH and CF'er pronto.

I really don't have a problem with Perez in a vacuum. He can play all of the corners and mashes lefties. Phillips should be able to do basically the same thing, though, making him redundant.

[dabomb2045]

Agreed. Sounds more and more like if they add Cairo, Perez and Bernie, it is a broken down, inflexible bench.

Benches have been too underrated for a long time in the Bronx.

If this is the bench, they better get a DH and CF'er pronto.

I'm fully on the Jeff DaVanon bandwagon....we can get him on the cheap...whether its via trade or if the Angels just release him, we can sign him

he would be an excellent backup OF

[Jaeho]

What great players do you have in mind for the bench? Or is anyone the Yankees get going to get knocked?

If bench players were really good, they'd be starting on other teams. Cairo can play every IF position. Perez, while not my cup of tea, would take Phillips's role and can hit left handed pitching with power. Jeff DaVanon can play all three OF postions. The players they are looking at sound flexible to me.

[dabomb2045]

What great players do you have in mind for the bench? Or is anyone the Yankees get going to get knocked?

If bench players were really good, they'd be starting on other teams. Cairo can play every IF position. Perez, while not my cup of tea, would take Phillips's role and can hit left handed pitching with power. Jeff DaVanon can play all three OF postions. The players they are looking at sound flexible to me.

I like getting Perez as a strict "play against LHP" guy. And I'm ok with Cairo, and as I've been saying I'm a big fan of trying to get DaVanon.

Bringing back Bernie is the only move I have a problem with.

[Yankees13]

What great players do you have in mind for the bench? Or is anyone the Yankees get going to get knocked?

If bench players were really good, they'd be starting on other teams. Cairo can play every IF position. Perez, while not my cup of tea, would take Phillips's role and can hit left handed pitching with power. Jeff DaVanon can play all three OF postions. The players they are looking at sound flexible to me.

Yeah, I don't understand what the problem is. The bench certainly looks like it'll be miles better than last year's.

[27IsNext]

I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in either player, although I'd prefer D'Angelo Jimenez as the backup IFer.

[Jasbro]

Cairo is a more than passable utility infielder who can give stability off the bench at 2B and 3B. (If Jeter gets injured, ARod can shift to SS and Cairo can ably fill in at 3B).

Picking up Perez solves the Andy Phillips issue, and provides a credible answer as a PH in late innings against opposing LOOGYs.

Both would be solid, team-strengthening moves -- and both moves would be relatively inexpensive.

[SI Baseballman]

Take our garbage please.

[Dooley Womack]

Cairo is a more than passable utility infielder who can give stability off the bench at 2B and 3B. (If Jeter gets injured, ARod can shift to SS and Cairo can ably fill in at 3B).

Picking up Perez solves the Andy Phillips issue, and provides a credible answer as a PH in late innings against opposing LOOGYs.

Both would be solid, team-strengthening moves -- and both moves would be relatively inexpensive.

Travis Lee is available, is younger, has more pop and is a better defender at 1st. This supposed deal makes no sense whatsoever. Defense at first should be the prime consideration when you have a Giambi playing there.

Mets fans couldn't wait to get rid of Cairo, as SI attests.

[BJG]

Travis Lee is available, is younger, has more pop and is a better defender at 1st. This makes no sense whatsoever. Defense at first should be the prime consideration.

Someone will give Lee much more regular playing time than the couple of hundred at bats that Perez/Phillips should get.

[Jasbro]

Travis Lee is available, is younger, has more pop and is a better defender at 1st. This makes no sense whatsoever. Defense at first should be the prime consideration.

My point wasn't whether Perez is preferable over Lee -- he isn't -- it was whether Perez is preferable over Andy Phillips -- which he is.

I would take Travis Lee in a heartbeat over Perez. I was disappointed we didn't re-sign him after his last go-round with us -- would have been a much better option than Tino last year, despite how enjoyable it was to see #24 in the Stadium a last few times.

Although 10 HRs in 137 ABs against lefties (Perez) sure sounds like pretty decent pop to me...

[Dooley Womack]

What great players do you have in mind for the bench? Or is anyone the Yankees get going to get knocked?

Should we approve of all Yankee transactions, even ones that plain suck, because you say so?

[Dooley Womack]

My point wasn't whether Perez is preferable over Lee -- he isn't -- it was whether Perez is preferable over Andy Phillips -- which he is.

I would take Travis Lee in a heartbeat over Perez. I was disappointed we didn't re-sign him after his last go-round with us -- would have been a much better option than Tino last year, despite how enjoyable it was to see #24 in the Stadium a last few times.

Although 10 HRs in 137 ABs against lefties (Perez) sure sounds like pretty decent pop to me...

I know, man, and I wasn't debating you. I'll be amazed if this deal happens. Is Cashman banking on Giambi staying healthy and is he concerned with defense at 1st?

This "getting" younger plan that fans are talking about only works when Casman isn't making deals or signings as an excuse for why he's made no moves. When he signs a washed-up Cairo, a 36 year old Perez and Bernie for the bench, then it doesn't wash and it just plain sucks, especially if a Lee is available.

I hope this is a false report, I really do.