Is this really a smart thing to do here? There are relievers that will come cheaper that had better seasons out there on the market. Marte had a 5.40 ERA in 25 games for the Yankees. While I don't think he is as bad as his ERA suggested last season, I think the Yankees can do better for their money. Marte is a quality reliever no doubt but the Yankees got a taste of what he can do in the AL and it wasn't good. Maybe giving a three year deal isn't the wisest of decisions.The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees are "are in the process of negotiating a multi-year deal" with Damaso Marte after declining his $6 million option for 2009.
Something like $12 million over three years is probably the minimum Marte would agree to before testing the market, although his being a Type A free agent will scare off many teams.