The Yankees pulled left-hander Kei Igawa back off waivers after no deal could be struck with the Padres prior to Tuesday's deadline.
The Yankees weren't ready to give up on Igawa for nothing, and while the Padres may have been willing to part with a reliever to get him, there was no way they were going to sneak any quality arms through waivers.
The Padres were awarded the waiver claim to Igawa on Friday, and at that point, there were three possible resolutions, the Yankees could have simply handed the pitcher and what is left of his five-year, $20 million contract to the Padres.
the Padres and Yankees could have worked out a trade, which they talked about in July and continued to discuss over the weekend; or the Yankees had the option of withdrawing Igawa from waivers.
The Yankees chose the latter option, in the hopes of rebuilding Igawa for the 2008 season.
Although Igawa has been a tremendous disappointment for the Yankees, going 2-3 with a 6.79 ERA in 12 appearances, many scouts who tracked him in Japan thought Igawa would be effective as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.
One talent evaluator said Friday that he thinks Igawa would fit much better in the National League, and particularly in San Diego's Petco Park, a stadium better suited for pitchers.
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