Yankees Officially Sign Feliciano

Friday, 07 January 2011 15:48

By David Wu (Photo: S. Grieco/NYSB)

In a move to bolster their bullpen, the New York Yankees agreed to terms with free agent and former Mets’ pitcher Pedro Feliciano on a two-year deal.

With the Bronx Bombers losing Kerry Wood to the Cubs, the team focused on an experienced reliever to serve as set-up man or specialist prior to closer Mariano Rivera.

Feliciano, 34, pitched part of eight seasons with the cross-town New York Mets and has become one of the most durable arms in the game.

The deal has been reported to be worth $8 million which includes an option for the 2013 season. In his final season with the Mets, Feliciano earned $2.9 million but rejected an arbitration offer from his former team.

Feliciano has led the major league in appearances in the past three years totaling 266 games. In 2010, the lefty appeared in 92 games for the Mets posting a 3.30 ERA while striking out 56 batters in 62.2 innings pitched.

In his career, the Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico native has limited opposing left handed hitters to a .214 batting average. Feliciano has compiled a 22-19 record in his career with four saves and a 3.31 ERA.

In his role with the Yankees, Feliciano will be relied on mostly to get out lefty hitters although right handed hitters have also struggled against the southpaw.

With pitcher Damaso Marte lost for most of the upcoming 2011 season following surgery to repair a torn labrum, the Yankees will tandem Feliciano and Boone Logan in facing lefty hitters.