Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. An unexpected face walked into Yankees camp today: Ex-Met Sid Fernandez, out of baseball since 1997, was given a minor league contract.
We saw enough where were intrigued, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
The 38-year old left-hander, 114-96 in 15 major league seasons, went through a 15-minute, 48-pitch audition on today. He was given No. 36, last worn by David Cone, another former Met.
Its win-win for me, Fernandez said. Its exciting to come here. Its not a guarantee. At least I got a shot.
Fernandez was part of the Mets last World Series championship team in 1986, along with current Yankees pitcher Dwight Gooden.
El Sid, born in Hawaii, pitched for the Mets from 1984-93. His last appearance in the major leagues was when he was in one game for Houston in 1997.
He retired because of what was thought to be an elbow problem. The pain turned out to be related to a nerve in his neck, and Fernandez said he was pain-free.
What the future takes for both of us now, well see, Cashman said. I wouldnt waste our time if we werent intrigued, enough to the point where we said lets try it.
Fernandezs agent, Barry Meister, called the Yankees on Monday about a tryout.
Fernandez, who had pitched for scouts last Thursday in Arizona, caught a redeye flight that arrived in Tampa about 6:30 a.m. today.
I just dont want to look down the road two years, or 20 years, and say What if I tried, I should have tried, Fernandez said. So at least now I can say I tried. If it doesnt work out, I tried. I didnt want to look down the road and keeping hitting my head against the wall and saying what if.
The Yankees have had some success with former Mets: Cone became a team leader and Gooden turned into a significant pitcher on last years team.
I was shocked, said Gooden, who last saw El Sid during a January reunion of the 86 Mets. He looks real good.
Fernandez, who had problems with his weight during his career, is about 220 pounds. He has been working out for four months and throwing for a month.
The ball is flying out of his hand pretty good, said pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who was Fernandezs coach with the Mets. The motion looked good. Well see whats left and go from there.
Fernandez thought Cone wouldnt appreciate him taking No. 36.
Hes going to be mad, Fernandez joked. It was the only number they had.
If Fernandez made the team, he would get a $500,000, one-year contract and the chance to earn $150,000 more in performance bonuses.