Yankees designate Justin Maxwell for assignment

April 4, 2012 by Mike Axisa 20 Comments

Via Mark Feinsand, the Yankees have designated outfielder Justin Maxwell for assignment. The writing was on the wall with this one, he was out of minor league options and the team had no room for him on the roster. A trade market never developed, I suppose. Maxwell had a huge spring and is a useful player, just not to the Yankees. He’ll likely get claimed off waivers, and yes, I know I said the exact same thing about Chris Dickerson.

Nick

said the same thing about Dickerson
Peter R

Someone gotta take him. Still confused about George. Couldn’t swing a Kontos + Maxwell deal for a slightly better backup catcher even? Why AAA for Frankie, he not that bad?
- Justin Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (formerly Rainbow Connection)
  
  All I read in the comments at RAB is that Cervelli is a piece of shit and the worst catcher in the world. Suddenly, everyone loves him.
  - Havok9120
    
    This. I like to think they may have finally looked at his offensive numbers and realized he’s not that bad. In reality I know its just us being fans.
Gerald Williams

I hope he gets a chance to play somewhere…
JoeyA

Teams have to know we had no room for him and he didnt have any options. a team trading for Maxwell would make less sense than trading a possible BP arm for a career AAA backup catcher….oh wait…
- Cris Pengiucci
  
  IETC
Typical MIT Nerd

Maxwell is more useful than Ibanez. When he continues his decline, who is ready to step in? Instead of 12 pitchers, why not a 5th OF for a few weeks. With the depth at AAA, they could shuffle pitchers in and out if they need. I really don’t understand the failure to use the minors. If Ibanez hits, then you designate Maxwell for a pitcher if needed. If not, then you waive Ibanez and Maxwell steps in as necessary. His skills could be useful on this team.

In the search to optimize every position, they Yankees inevitably fill too many slots with guys that have limited value. Even Chavez seems like a waste of a roster spot, with Swisher passable at 1B and moreso than a guy with speed and who’s actually needed in the field.
- Louedwards
  
  You make too much sense. Dont ever post again…
- Needed Pitching
  
  RE: Chavez – with the aging left side of the infield, and the need/desire to get those players rest, and with their health issues, there was little chance the Yankees did not carry 2 players who could man the left side of the infield (whether Chavez is the best option for that role, I’m not convinced, but Maxwell doesn’t solve that.
  
  RE: Ibanez – the role is for DH vs. RHP. Not sure Maxwell is a great fit for that role. If/when Ibanez doesn’t work out, I’m not sure they would turn to Maxwell for that role, even if he was still in the organization.
- Steve (different one)
  
  I’m all for carrying 11 pitchers, but Maxwell is NOT more useful than Ibanez or Chavez. Those guys may not be great, but they at least bring a unique skill that fits the team. Maxwell does not. He fills the same role at Jones, but he’s not nearly as good. Of Ibanez is toast, the Yankees will just give Jones those ABs until they can swing a trade. Under no circumstance was Maxwell going to be the DH against RHP.
- Sweet Dick Willie
  
  Yankees inevitably fill too many slots with guys that have limited value.
  
  And somehow, despite all their ineptitude, they continue to make the playoffs year after year.
  - Steve (different one)
    
    Yes, this is called a “bench”.
- Havok9120
  
  Apples to oranges. Maxwell has the wrong splits to take Raul’s spot and doesn’t provide IF depth.
Greg

Wow! People are throwing bricks at Cashman for the Kontos trade. It might not make sense, but is it worth that kind of reaction.
vin

Square peg and a round hole.
Justin Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (formerly Rainbow Connection)

Well…shit.
Ac

If someone claims him why didn’t team just step up and try n make a trade to get him ?
- pat
  
  Because they were betting the Yanks would put him on waivers and get him for free…
AdamC6

This Stewart deal is a head scratcher unless there is something longer-term involved….like he’s a smart career minors catcher who would make a great catcher for the young pitchers once we can move him back down to AAA and bring Cervelli back. Maybe the guy even has ‘future manager’ written all over him……I’m trying to come up with a reason why you’d trade a useful RP for him….I thought we picked up Tatum to fill the role of AAA vet…..

Agree with the “Maxwell has the wrong splits” comments — shame, but unless you’re ditching Andruw Jones, Maxwell’s potential role is already filled.