Baseball season is around the corner kind of! With that in mind, it got us thinking about the New York Yankees, baseball's "Most Prolific Franchise" and the team with the highest payroll in sports. Sure, other baseball teams have made some bad movies, but they aren't the Yankees. They haven't won the Series since 2000, and most Yankees fans would agree, there have been some pretty poor transactions by the management.
7.) Aaron Boone
Aaron Boone was supposed to stay with the Yankees through 2004. He only played 54 games with the Yankees in 2003, and had a paltry post-season. Had it not been for his famous series clinching home run off Tim Wakefield in the 2003 ALCS, Boone would probably have been forgotten. He busted his knee stupidly playing basketball after the season ended, a violation of his contract, and lost out on $5.5 million. His injury would welcome Alex Rodriguez to New York.
6.) Alex Rodriguez
This selection may be controversial, but let's look at the numbers. A-Rod is paid $28 million a year. And yes, he's an amazing athlete. But when it comes time for the playoffs, his numbers drop off, showcasing his difficulty to perform in clutch situations. He has been a non-factor in the playoffs with the Yankees, posting a batting average of .244 in 94 at-bats, with 23 hits and 22 strikeouts in the 2004-2007 postseasons. A $28 million a year player needs to produce a lot more than that. Having A-Rod can't HURT their chances, it's just shocking to see him perform poorly in the playoffs.
5.) Jose Contreras
Contreras signed a 4-year, $32 million contract with the Yankees after impressive performances with the Cuban national team. But things fell apart in New York. Contreras was inconsistent, especially against bitter rival Boston, posting an embarrassing 16.44 ERA in 5 games against the hated Red Sox in 2003. Things never improved, and he was traded to the White Sox.
4.) Jon Lieber
Lieber had a solid 14 win season with the Yankees in 2004, but only managed an average 1-1 playoff record, with a 3.43 ERA. Instead of keeping the pitcher for the next season, the Yankees traded him to Philadelphia, and watched their own pitching staff struggle. Even Brian Cashman expressed regret at letting Lieber go.
3.) Carl Pavano
The Yankees acquired Carl Pavano in 2004, in a contract that would pay him close to $40 million over 4 years. Pavano made a strong start in 2005, but after a shoulder injury, he missed the rest of the season. In training camp the following season, a bruised ass would require several months of rehabilitation, until a motorcycle accident in August would sideline him due to broken ribs, an injury he didn't discuss with anyone until informed he was scheduled to pitch that week. He pitched on opening day in 2007, but injured his elbow requiring Tommy John surgery. Yankees fans hate him due to his perceived lack of commitment.
2.) Javier Vazquez
Javy Vazquez was a highly sought after pitcher following a good season with Montreal. He was offered $45 million over 4 years with the Yankees, and started strong. After the all-star break, Vazquez fell apart. His loss to the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS were all Yankee management needed to see. He was gone after the post-season. This transaction is bad because Vazquez was only given a year to produce, and was gone, making way for Randy Johnson to disappoint. Also, the Yankees had to pay the Diamondbacks $9 million to cover part of his salary.
1.) Randy Johnson
The Yankees acquired Randy Johnson in the Javy Vazquez trade. Although he was already up there in age at 42, Johnson still managed to beat the Red Sox in the five games he faced them. Things got bad in the playoffs. A poor outing in his ALDS start against the Angels hurt him. Things weren't so great in 2006 either. He remained inconsistent in 2006, and it was revealed he had played through an injury to his back. He failed to perform in the playoffs that year as well.
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