Yankees sign lefty Mike O’Connor

Yankees sign lefty Mike O’Connor

By Delia E. 

The Yankees have made their first signing of the year (not counting picking up Swisher and Cano’s options.) The Yankees have signed LHP Mike O’Connor to a minor league deal. Never heard of him? That was the whole point, reveals Jon Heyman. Cashman’s plan was to get some underlying the radar pitchers instead of getting hot shot relievers  for multi-year deals.

Those who have seen O’Connor must have seen the 9 appearances that he made as a New York Met. He came up in early May and had done well, just giving up 2 runs in his 9 appearances. After giving up a run to the Pirates, O’Connor was sent down to AAA, and eventually designating him for assignment.

The signing doesn’t mean much though. There is a big chance that O’Connor most likely won’t make it to the Bronx, but he would be an interesting option if the Yankees don’t want to burn money on relievers. When O’Connor came up in the 2006 with the Washington Nationals, he pitched 105 innings, had 20 starts and one relief appearance; but all he had to show for it was a 4.80 ERA and a 5.37 FIP. The one issue that O’Connor has is that he is not the typical strikeout pitcher, which didn’t do well in the Majors or the Minors.

If O’Connor does make it to the Bronx, he could compliment Yankees lefty Boone Logan in the bullpen but if he doesn’t make it to the Bronx, it doesn’t hurt the Yankees one bit.