Obviously the team has more important issues (see Jeter, Rivera, Cliff Lee, Pettitte), but the lack of a second lefty was something I thought hurt them in the players. So far there have been rumors of interest in Pedro Feliciano and J.C. Romero. Other interesting names on the free agent market are Scott Downs, Hisanori Takahashi, Will Ohman, Randy Choate, Joe Beimel, Jeremy Affeldt, and Ron Mahay.

Downs, Affeldt, and Takahashi are in a different category as they have closing experience, whereas I view the rest as one to two batter options. Another question is contract. Someone like Pedro Feliciano will require a $3-4 million dollar deal. How much are the Yankees willing to spend?

If not for draft picks, I believe Downs is the best option. Last year he made $4 million, but unlike a Romero or Feliciano, can get right handers out (.637 OPS). The Yankees are going to need someone who can backup Rivera- prevailing thought is that Joba Chamberlain will be on the market- and I rather give Downs big money than Chamberlain in arbitration. You already have a version of Joba (see David Robertson), and plenty of young arms in the minors to call upon if necessary.

Out of the Type B situational lefties, Feliciano is probably the best option since he gets lefties out at a high clip (.574 OPS), and can pitch every day. Even if the Mets offer “Perpetual Pedro” arbitration the Type B status will not be as costly in terms of draft picks.

My third preference would be Ron Mahay. Although 40 years old lefties only had an OPS of .520 against him, and he won’t cost any draft pick compensation. I prefer him over Romero simply due to the fact he is much better command (2.1 walks per nine.). I also believe the Yankees could get him for less than half of what Feliciano will require.

When you combine effectiveness and cost, Mahay might be the best option.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Hisanori Takahashi, J.C. Romero, Joe Beimel, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Randy Choate, Ron Mahay, Scott Downs, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Will Ohman