Yankees Rumors: David Robertson’s return questionable at best

David Robertson is a having a busy offseason. Not only is he representing himself in free agency, but he is already being connected to the Red Sox following a controversial playoff shares vote with the Yankees.

After firing his longtime agent, Scott Leventhal, free agent reliever David Robertson will be representing himself this winter. So what does that mean for his chances of returning to the Yankees?

Well, it depends on who you ask.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman sounded optimistic, with a twinge of sarcasm when speaking to reporters about Roberston’s potential of a 10th season in pinstripes.

"“Does he want to come back? Yeah, but he said the same thing to me that he said to the public — he’s got to do what is in the best interests of his family,” Cashman said of Robertson, who’s acting as his own agent. “He’s looking for the best deal he can get. He must have already went to agent school; that’s normally the first thing you hear. There must be a playbook.”More from Yankees Rumors3 lefty relievers Yankees can still sign without breaking the bankWhat on earth is going on with Yankees, Fernando Tatis Jr. and flight to New York?4 former Yankees players New York can still reunite with in free agency4 blockbuster trade targets that could be Yankees next ‘big’ moveMLB Network Radio host thinks Yankees should shell out for Dansby Swanson"

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that Robertson, who is entering his age-34 season, is eager to sign with a club near his Rhode Island home. Naturally, that keeps the Yanks in the mix. However, it also includes the Mets and more importantly, the Red Sox.

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, should Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel decide to sign elsewhere (Atlanta?), the World Series champs could put the all-out press on Robertson and his expected three-year, $33 million contract projection (courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors).

The Red Sox saw plenty of D-Rob this season to come away impressed, especially at Fenway Park where he excelled in four appearances, allowing only one hit against 13 batters faced. Roberston possesses a career 2.06 ERA while pitching in Boston.

Roberston is coming off another solid campaign, tossing 69.2 innings (nine straight seasons of at least 60 innings pitched), while going 8-3 with five saves, a 3.23 ERA, 1.033 WHIP and 91:26 K:BB ratio.

A bit of controversy surrounding the former All-Star could affect his decision to return to the Bronx. Prior to the postseason, Robertson led a players-only meeting regarding how many playoff shares would go to team personnel, including assistant hitting coach P.J. Pilittere (received half a share), coaching analyst Zac Fieroh (none) and other essential support staffers (zero).

According to Peter King, the team vote didn’t include any of the Yankees midseason acquisitions: J.A. Happ, Andrew McCutchen, Luke Voit, Lance Lynn or Zach Britton. Although a second vote was planned following a bit of a stir, it never came to fruition.

"Coaches and trainers aren’t guaranteed a share, but historically are voted full shares, especially when they are as dedicated as Pilittere.Fieroh’s situation could be because he is part of the front office. However, it is very rare that a regular member of the traveling party who is involved in the day-to-day operations is shut out."