Report: Yanks deal P Rasner to Japanese team Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees have sold the contract of
pitcher Darrell Rasner to a team in Japan's Central League, according to a
report by ESPN.
The report states that the contract was sold to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden
Eagles for $1 million, and Rasner is expected to sign a two-year contract with
the team.
Rasner's agent said that he requested the deal after the pitcher went 5-10
with a 5.40 earned run average in 113 1/3 innings for the Yankees last season.
A former second-round pick of the Montreal Expos in 2002, the 27-year-old
Rasner ... More...
Mike Mussina could make his decision regarding retirement as early as today, according to Newsday.
Our View:There wouldn't be much room for him in the Yankees' rotation next season if the club lands CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, but there is no doubt he can still pitch at a high level as he maintained a 1.22 WHIP over 200.1 innings in 2008.
Former Yankees' fan favorite Bernie Williams may attempt a comeback at age 40, according to the NY Post. He said, "I'm looking to keeping my options open, keep working out. It's been a great two years. I've had the opportunity to do things that I never really had the opportunity to do when I was playing. I had the chance to travel. Take my kids to school, watch my kid graduate from high school, a lot of things that I never would have never had the opportunity to do if I had been playing the game."
Our View:He hasn't played since 2006, but never officially retired. He won't likely be able to handle a role as an outfielder, and not many clubs would be willing to give him a job as a DH. His best bet seems to be as a pinch hitter.
