Darrell Rasner sold to Japanese team

November 16, 7:57 PMNew York Yankees ExaminerPete Sabatini

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After a busy week that included re-signing Damaso Marte (here), making an offer to CC Sabathia (here), trading for Nick Swisher (here), and Hank Steinbrenner confirming intentions to make offers to Derek Lowe and AJ Burnett (here), the weekend was very quiet.

The only news of mention since Friday is the sale of rights to Darrell Rasner to the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles of Japan’s Pacific League for $1 million.

Rasner did not promise to figure into the Yankees’ 2009 rotation and may have served as long reliever at very best.

With his 5-10 record and 5.40 ERA in 24 games Rasner was more likely to be wearing a different uniform one way or another. 

The most interesting piece to this story is that Rasner actually requested to pitch in Japan next year. 

"Brian made a big effort to make it happen," agent Matt Sosnick said.  "He really bent over backwards to make this work for Darrell and his family."

 It’s not often that a major leaguer requests a move to Japan but this new opportunity gives Rasner a chance to make some good money while he’s still young (27-years-old) and pitch regularly at a competitive level.

Notice I didn’t mention LeBron James thinking the Yankees will sign Sabathia as news.  It’s not.  He’s one of millions who think that.  It’s only interesting for basketball fans since speculation is that he wants to go to a large market NBA team and some are speculating it could be New York/New Jersey.

Hopefully we’ll see more action early this week around additional free agent offers and hearing Mike Mussina's decision about retirement, but don’t hold your breath for a Peavy deal.

For further reading check out this great article from the NY Post about why, despite being underappreciated, Derek Lowe would be a great fit for the Yankees.