Can the Yankees 5 “Worst” Contracts Actually Turn Them Around?

With the New York Yankees recent strategy of getting younger and avoiding high cost- long term deals, the NY Post has identified, and ranked, five contracts that stick out like a sore thumb. But the top most “least desirable” deal just might surprise you.

First a minor disclaimer. The Post has removed Mark Teixeira‘s contract from consideration. With the injury to Greg Bird, Teixeira has been moved out of  the disposable category and into indispensable status. So, with Tex out of the running, here are the Yankees five least desirable contracts, according to The Post:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury is a surprising pick only because this time last year Alex Rodriguez would have grabbed the top spot without debate. But after ARod’s bounce back season, and Ellsbury’s continuous injury problems, it has become obvious that this is a regrettable signing. The Yankees still owe him almost $111 million as The Post correctly points out. At age 32, Ellsbury’s reliability is only going to get worse. Even if he stays healthy, he is too streaky.
2. Second place on The Post’s list goes to CC Sabathia. His recent rehab and his failure to produce a  CC-quality season since 2o12 are the reasons given for Sabathia’s $5o Million noose. But consider that CC had an ERA of just over 2.oo in his last five starts, and that his off-field challenge may be behind him, and it could appear that he is too high on this list. [related category]
3. Third place on The Post’s list goes to Alex Rodriguez. If he can continue to produce offensively, the disparity between his pay and his value diminishes significantly. But his inability to play in the field causes problems. Carlos Beltran has less opportunity as a DH. And the Yankees may have to resort to Starlin Castro backing up Chase Headley at third base and Dustin Ackley behind Teixeira at first. Not that Castro and Ackley are without ability, but this is not an ideal situation.
4. Speaking of which, Headley is ranked next on the list. His overall disappointment could have him much higher. Especially when you consider there is potential for Ellsbury, Rodriguez and Sabathia to contribute if the intangibles work out right.
5. Masahiro Tanaka is picked for the fifth spot. Tanaka has $111 Million left. Of course, he makes the list due to the uncertainty of his availability.

But consider this. Imagine if all five of these players stay in the lineup and produce at their expected levels. If that happens, it is going to be a bright season for the Yankees, isn´t it?