So Who Did They Lose So Far?

As you probably know, the Yankees have had a bunch of players in the majors and minors file for free agency.  The following is the list that I have compiled from various sources (BaseballAmerica, Chad Jennings, and others).  

New York Yankees 
RHP: Paul Bush (AA), Michael Gardner (AA), Justin Pope (AA), Humberto Sanchez (AAA), Jay Stephens (AA), Jose Valdez (AAA), Josh Towers (MLB), 

LHP: Andy Pettitte (MLB)
C: Brian Peterson (AAA), Chris Stewart (AAA), Jose Molina (MLB)
3B: Eric Duncan (AAA), Carlos Mendoza (AA), Cody Ransom (AAA), Marcos Vechionacci (AA)
SS: Doug Bernier (AAA)
OF: Edwar Gonzalez (AA), Freddy Guzman (AAA), Richie Robnett (AA), John Rodriguez (AAA), Noah Hall (AA), Jerry Hairston, Jr. (MLB), Eric Hinske (MLB), Johnny Damon (MLB)

DH: Hideki Matsui (MLB)

In the previous post I briefly went over the guys that left the organization (as of right now).  But now I will go in a little more depth regarding the minor league guys that filed for free agency.

Paul Bush:  Thirty year old pitcher who started and relieved in AA and AAA this year.  Had a 1.33 ERA in 20.1 innings in AA but a 4.86 ERA in 16.2 innings in AAA.  Showed a strong K-rate (over 10/9).  Signed out of an indy league last year after being in the Braves organization for a while.  No real loss.

Michael Gardner:  Missed the entire 2009 season with a shoulder injury after putting up a 5.60 ERA in 2008 in AA.  He's 28 right now and will be 29 in May.  No real loss.

Justin Pope: Was a reliever in the Yankees system from 2004 to 2007.  Signed with Phillies in 2008 with solid results in AAA (2.23 ERA in 40.1 inning, bad walk and K-rate).  Signed with Yankees late last year despite being injured and missing the entire season.  

Humberto Sanchez: A highly touted prospect that came over in the Gary Sheffield trade that was known for very being healthy.  He lived up to that reputation with the Yankees, appearing in only 41 professional games in 3 years with the club.  He had a 2 game cup-of-coffee in 2008, was released and re-signed by the Yankees, and has become a free agent again.  I'm sure the Yankees will try to bring him back on another minor league deal.

Jay (Jason) Stephens: A fringe/often-injured prospect.  Only 24 year old and did well in AA, but also struggled in A+ ball and is just overall nothing special.  I think they may try to re-sign him as well.

Jose Valdez: The 26 year old reliever re-signed with the Yankees in 2009 after being with the organization since 2002.  He spent most of the year in AA with a 3.05 ERA (but 1.43 WHIP, but a nice 9.9 K-rate).  I bet they will try to bring him back as well.

Brian Peterson:  Catching depth brought in mid-season last year after all of the catching injuries.  Non-prospect.

Chris Stewart: The starting catcher for a majority of the season down in AAA.  Had a decent .280/.375 batting line for them.  Some team may try to see if he is worthy of a major league catching job next year.

Eric Duncan: First-round pick by the Yankees and number 1 prospect that just never lived up to his hype.  Has stalled out at AAA for years and has just never even produced a little.  

Carlos Mendoza: Utility-type guy in the minors.  Now a coach in the minors for the Yankees.

Cody Ransom: The terrible third baseman that took over while Alex Rodriguez was injured.  Bon voyage.

Marcos Vechionacci: Another once highly-touted prospect that never even came close to his hype.  Injured a lot and has little to no power.

Doug Bernier:  Infielder for AAA last year.  Just generic depth.

Edwar Gonzalez:  Powerful outfielder in the system that only put up a .625 OPS in AA after a .813 in 2008.

Freddy Guzman:  Designated runner for the Yankees in September and the playoffs.  Just a generic all-speed/no-hit outfielder.

Richie Robnett: 25-year old outfielder signed after being released by the Cubs to be a starter in AA.  Had a .725 OPS in AA in 156 at-bats.

John Rodriguez:  31-year old had an okay season as the starting AAA outfielder.  .812 OPS, lots of injuries, and lots of HBPs.  Was in the majors with the Cardinals in 2005 and 2006.

Noah Hall: Outfield depth in AA.  Non-prospect.