Rivera signing official; Miller claimed; Nix and Storey DFA
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 30, 2012 
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The Yankees just officially announced the Mariano Rivera contract. Along with that, they announced that right-hander Jim Miller has been claimed off waivers and that Jayson Nix has been signed to a Major League contract to avoid arbitration.
Here’s the twist. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated Nix and Mickey Storey for assignment.
UPDATE: The Nix contract is for $900,000 and he’s agreed to accept the outright assignment to Triple-A if he clears waivers. Basically, if he clears, he’ll come to Yankees camp as a non-roster invitee with a chance to win back his utility job.
Here’s the full announcement from the Yankees.
YANKEES SIGN RIGHT-HANDED CLOSER MARIANO RIVERA
The New York Yankees today announced they have signed right-handed closer Mariano Rivera, Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader, to a one-year contract for the 2013 season.
Rivera, who turned 43 on Thursday, has recorded at least one save in each of the last 17 seasons (since 1996), marking the longest such streak in American League history and tying Lee Smith for the second-longest such streak all time behind John Franco’s 18 consecutive seasons. His 608 career saves are exactly twice as many saves with one team as Jeff Montgomery—who ranks second in saves among players who spent their entire career with one club—had with Kansas City (304).
In 2012, Rivera was 1-1 with five saves and a 2.16 ERA (8.1IP, 2ER) in nine relief appearances for the Yankees before having his season cut short by a torn right ACL on May 3. He underwent surgery to repair the tear on June 12 and missed the remainder of the year.
Despite missing the majority of 2012, over the last 10 seasons (2003-12), he leads the Majors with 365 saves. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he is the oldest pitcher in franchise history to record a save and just the second to do so after turning 40, joining Jim Kaat, who earned two saves as a 40-year-old in 1979.
“Like I’ve been saying, I didn’t want to go out like that,” Rivera said. “I didn’t want that to be the last image. But it wasn’t an easy decision because there’s more than just baseball with me. I have to consider my family and the church, too. But I feel like we have a great group of guys and a team that can compete for a championship. I’m not just coming back to play. I’m coming back to win.”
Since earned runs became an official statistic in the National League in 1912 and the American League in 1913, Rivera’s 2.21 career ERA is the second-lowest all time among pitchers with at least 1,000.0 innings pitched, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, trailing only Eddie Cicotte’s 2.20 career ERA.
A 12-time American League All-Star, Rivera has posted a sub-2.00 ERA in eight of the last 10 seasons since 2003. From 2008-11, Rivera became the only pitcher in Baseball history with at least 60 appearances and a sub-2.00 ERA in each of four consecutive years. He has pitched in at least 60 games in 14 different campaigns, the most such seasons all time.
Rivera’s 42 postseason saves—18 in the ALDS, 13 in the ALCS and 11 in the World Series—and his 96 postseason appearances, are all Major League records, while his 0.70 ERA (141.0IP, 11ER) in postseason play is the lowest all time (minimum 30.0IP). He was part of his fifth World Championship team in 2009, recording the final out in each of the Yankees’ three postseason series-clinching wins en route to the club’s 27th World Championship. Rivera has allowed just 1ER over his last 25 playoff appearances (31.1IP, 0.29 ERA) since Game 4 of the 2005 ALDS vs. the Angels.
The Panama native was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on February 17, 1990, and is currently the longest-tenured Yankee (17 yrs, 105 days). His 18 seasons with the club are tied with Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and teammate Derek Jeter for most by a player in franchise history.
Additionally, the Yankees claimed RHP Jim Miller off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Miller, 30, went 2-1 with a 2.59 ERA (48.2IP, 14ER) in 33 relief appearances over four stints with the A’s in 2012. He held opposing batters to a .217 (39-for-180) opponents batting average, including a .136 (11-for-81) mark against left-handed hitters. Originally selected by the Colorado Rockies in the eighth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Miller has appeared in 47 career Major League games with Baltimore (2008), Colorado (2011) and Oakland (2012), going 2-3 with one save and a 2.42 ERA (63.1IP, 17ER).
The Yankees also signed INF Jayson Nix to a Major League contract, avoiding arbitration. To make room for the two additions to the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated Nix and RHP Mickey Storey for assignment.
Associated Press photo
BoJo November 30th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
I like Ichy but would be fine with a Dickerson/Nunez platoon in RF.
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Cash and Joe have said that Nunez is strictly a SS now, so don’t think RF is an option for him. I like Nunez’s bat, but unless he can find consistency with his defense they will have to trade him or only use at DH/PR.
‘Looks like Miller is the last man in the pen and a third option against LHP assuming Rapada or Cabral makes the team.
Whiteside and Storey claimed off waivers and Nix re-signed to be DFA then traded as a package for a catcher???
i was gonna have a salad for dinner, but i decided i want to look more like derek jeter so im having the fettuccini alfredo with some garlic bread dripping butter.
might have to go for the cheesecake too…
No guarantee Miller is the last guy out of the pen, like Storey he was just an attractive guy to waiver claim and if he survives the offseason will go into camp with a shot.
@LoHudYankees
Nix signed a $900,000 major league contract and was DFA. Agreed to accept AAA assignment and come to Yankees camp if he clears waivers.
they must want to trade nunez b/c he’s pretty useless at SS but would play 100 games if he was a RF/LF or 3Bman.
Sorry for the two posts so close together.
Just talked to a Yankees source…. Jayson Nix signed a $900,000 contract and agreed to accept the outright assignment if he clears waivers.
Basically, another team can claim him, take on that contract and put him on its roster. Or he’ll clear waivers, the Yankees will still be responsible for the contract, and he’ll come to Yankees camp as an NRI with a chance to compete for a roster spot. The source said Nix has agreed to report to Triple-A if he doesn’t make the big league team.
Very weak that people are now calling Jeter – Derek “Eater”.
I mean the public just can’t wait for this guy to do anything wrong. The first mistake he ever makes people are going to really go nutso.
c’mon, we kid because we love….
derek will be in fine shape when the season starts…
That Jeter weight gain stuff today was pathetic. If I were him I would ban all NY Post interaction until an apology was issued. Even though he would never do that he should. Someone should post pictures of the editor/writer and open that up to a comment section.
I hope no one claims Nix unless the Yankees are planning on getting Keppinger.
then it’s OK.
Nix is very good. He knows he role, is a tru pro and hustles. Sometimes I wish Nunez could play like Nix.
Pitching is pretty much set now with AP and Mo back in the fold.
Unless the Yankees wish to move one of their starters in a package for a bat.
In that case they could try to add Haren on a 1 yr. pillow contract while he re-establishes his health.
I just shake my head at the thought of Nunez being kept at SS….his bat and speed are too valuable to just let them waste away. And I believe if he puts on about 25 pounds of muscle, that he would show significant power as well. He reminds me of a young Danny Tartabull.
I gotta believe that Cashman would like to add an impact RF’er to replace Swisher.
I think if Adams is allowed to compete for a job in ST he’ll give Nunez all he can handle.
MTU,
we need just ONE impact bat….could be a RF/LF, 3B, C, or even a CF (with the plan to move Grandy to LF).
We just need ONE and I’ll be far more confident about this team’s ability (and intent) to compete in 2013.
I’ve got my OS set.
Keppinger
Haren
Soria
AJ P. or Ruiz
JU, Gordon, Headley, or the like.
Prince-
Yes. But I’m like Blake.
Greedy.
Bojo, the only way guys put on 25lbs of muscle are synthetically or by years of hardcore gym/diet dedication. It’s a very tough to thing to accomplish naturally.
MTU November 30th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
I think if Adams is allowed to compete for a job in ST he’ll give Nunez all he can handle.
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If the reports are true about Adams, I would not be surprised either.
Defense is huge at SS & so far Nunez has “struggled” on defense at SS.
Can’t have that. The position calls for someone that can get the outs.
MTU, isnt Adams a 2b, didn’t know he played ss?
MTU,
Ya know, its amazing what signing a guy like Haren could do for us in terms of opening up doors for other impact moves.
You sign Haren, you can easily trade one of Nova/Hughes and package him with someone like Granderson for a big bat.
Keppinger would be nice, but might cost too much for a bench player.
No thanks on Alex Gordon, but I’d love Upton or Headley, especially the latter becuase I am beyond tired of seeing ARod play 3B (decent though he may be). ARod is a DH…if he doesn’t hit, he is useless to us. DH keeps him fresh and mitigates injury potential. Let him play 50 games in the field if need be.
WTP-
Nix is the ss bu.
Adams can handle 2b/3b, or Keppinger.
The kid can hit. He was showcased in the AFL. Might even be trade bait.
Or maybe they move nunez.
Mike-
2b/3b.
Need nix or nunie for ss.
Nix is more surehanded.
Prince-
Glad you like at least some of my ideas.
MTU, i’d move Nunez as he’s demonstrated ability at the major league level and would project as more of a SS than 3B/2B.
And we very well may need Adams at 2b/3b for 2014 if Cano is asking for $250M over 10 years (which is why i still say trade him now).
I’d really just love to see the youngsters get a better shot.
Heck, let Nix walk…give Adams a chance…far more upside there.
With certain assumptions or pre-conditions I’m ready to move lot’s of guys for the right bat.
And I think we should.
Adams just might get the opportunity to surpass Nix during ST.
That won’t be easy.
Might be easier for Adams to surpass Nunez during ST.
You never know.
Ahh MTU, thought you meant he could beat him out positionaly in spring training. Anyone know about his defense?
Prince-
then you have to rely on Nunez at ss.
Comfortable with that ?
Mike-
very good at 2b. Just learning 3b. But have not heard any bad reports.
Dear Santa Claus.
Please do not leave me with a lump of coal in my pinstriped sock this year.
Yankeesource ?@YankeeSource
Doubt it, they will focus on defense first guys with some hit tool. RT @KeithKlub you think they got a chance to get Mike Napoli?
Yankeesource ?@YankeeSource
Montero made strides defensively in the Yankees system suggesting better things. I think his size is limiting any further improvement.
18h Yankeesource ?@YankeeSource
@henzelbitzi Yea, Girardi won’t trust Montero back there with suspect defense. Montero didn’t show much improvement in 2012.
Adams just might get the opportunity to surpass Nix during ST.
That won’t be easy.
Might be easier for Adams to surpass Nunez during ST.
You never know.
–
Easier than you think, right now Adams is on the 40 man and Nix isn’t, so he has a built in advantage
Pair Romine with John Jaso.
Nice combo.
How do we get Jaso ?
Easy. We give Jerk Z Adams. Who he wanted before he broke his ankle.
Or give him Nunez and keep Adams.
Jaso would be an excellent left-handed pairing with Romine.
You listening Brian.
John Jaso.
Will Grandy be traded?
Possible.
But I think the Yanks would have to eat a little money and be getting an impact bat in return. An Upton type.
Someone with power to replace some of Granderson’s loss.
I’m out for now.
have a good evening.
The more I think about the Jaso thing. The more I like it.
Do you think Jetes is fatter than CC now ?
I wonder if the NYY payroll will be in the 190s this year?
Why will Adams be competing with Nunez? They play different positions. Nunez is SS, Adams is not, he is 2B/3B.
@LostNYY: #Yankees can only do so much with budget constraints but there’s a reason they passed on Martin. #CountingPennies for #change
What number will Buster Posey be wearing!!!
I don’t think the Mariners will be interested in trading Jaso.
Jaso would be very nice…,don’t think he’d be cheap though
@TBrownYahoo: Japanese right-hander Fujikawa is nearing a decision and am hearing the Angels are frontrunners.
How bout we trade Hughes, Nova, Romine and a prospect to Cleveland for Carlos Santana and Shin-Soo Choo?
Then sign Ichiro, Victorino & Haren.
c-Santana
1B-Tex
2B-MVP
SS-Tubby
3B-A-Roid
LF-Gardy/Choo
CF-All or Nothing
RF-Ichiro/Victorino
DH-Any of the above
SP-CC
SP-HK
SP-AP
SP-Haren
SP-Phelps
Robertson
Joba
Mo
Sounds good to me.
@TBrownYahoo: Japanese right-hander Fujikawa is nearing a decision and am hearing the Angels are frontrunners.
–
“How bout we trade Hughes, Nova, Romine and a prospect to Cleveland for Carlos Santana and Shin-Soo Choo?”
The Indians would probably need that prospect to be Mason Williams or Gary Sanchez to think about that….
I’m sure fukijima costs money….so he’s out
If Haren is too $$$$, I’d take a flyer on McCarthy (Oak), Jurrjens (Atl), Lannan (Wash), Karstens, or Manny Parra (Mil) as # 5 SP (move Phelps to #4.
Santana alone would cost more than that.
I hope someone claims Nix and Nunez and Adams gets his playing time. He did a great job last year but it was a career year for him. I Don’t expect him to duplicate it. He is an awful hitter and just ok defensively.
And I really doubt Romine and his 20 games at AAA or above is going to start for the Yankees. In fact I would bet that he doesn’t even make the team so he can get playing time at AAA.
Cervelli and Stewie here we come. Yippee I’m so glad we got rid of Martin, I mean every dollar the Stein’s save is so important to us Yankee fans.
I love the Santana idea just because I like his guitar ….but I doubt the Yanks will give up what it’s take
“The Indians would probably need that prospect to be Mason Williams or Gary Sanchez to think about that….”
no problem. we keep Romine, give Sanchez, then we have Cervi, Romine, Stewart, Whiteside, etc behind Santana (27 years old)
I wonder what McCarthy will ask for…. He’d be a real nice back end guy should they trade a starter….there are actually a couple of good back end options should they trade somebody
Santana & Choo will soon start to be too expensive for Cleveland (maybe for the Stein’s also??), but Hughes and Nova have won 49 MLB games over the past 2 seasons, and are each only 26, and 25 years old, respectively. We do know that right? That young starting pitching is what every team wants?
Hughes has only one year of control left, so he doesn’t have a lot of value, some, but not a lot. Nova has more years left, but he had a pretty bad year last year, so I don’t know how much other teams would value him, it would probably be selling low.
Young cost-controlled starting pitching.
@mlbtraderumors: Orioles Non-Tender Mark Reynolds http://t.co/GSMBIA7V #mlb
RH bat that can at least fake it at 3B