Boesch signs with Yankees

Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com is reporting that former Tiger outfielder Brennan Boesch has signed with the New York Yankees for a reported $ 1.5 million, plus up to $ 600,000 in incentives based on at bats, at intervals of 100 to 350 AB's.

The Tigers released Boesch earlier this week. In December, the Tigers tendered Boesch a contract offer, and in January signed him to a one year deal for $ 2.3 million, avoiding arbitration. The Tigers paid Boesch $ 383,333.33 because they released him more than 15 days prior to the start of the season.

The fact that Boesch was able to get as much as $ 1.5 million is an indication that there was likely interest on the part of other clubs in his services, but not enough interest to pay his salary of $ 2.3 million. Boesch had to clear waivers before becoming a free agent.

The Tigers selected Boesch in the third round of the 2006 amateur draft out of the University of California- Berkeley. He was known for his red hot, All Star like starts to the season, but ice cold- minor league like second halves. He hit just .240 and was the second worst player in the American League in 2012, according to WAR.

The Yankees have been searching for an outfielder, preferably a left handed hitter, to fill the void left by the injured Curtis Granderson, who is expected to miss six weeks of the season or more with a broken arm. Boesch should find the friendly porch in right field at the new Yankee stadium inviting, although his home runs tend to travel quite a bit regardless of the park.