New York Yankees Sign Jack Cust; Claim Craig Tatum Off Waivers

Published: 28^th Mar 12 9:22 pm

Ryan Gaydos
Ryan Gaydos

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Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Yankees made some minor moves Wednesday. First, the team signed free agent Jack Cust to a minor league contract after he was more than likely going to sign with a National League team.

Cust was released by the Houston Astros Tuesday after signing with them during the offseason only to not make their major league roster. Cust played the 2011 season with the Seattle Mariners. In 67 games with Seattle, Cust managed to three home runs and only drive in 23 RBI. Cust is only four seasons removed from a 33 home run season in 2008 with the Oakland Athletics.

Cust will primarily spend this season in the Yankees’ minor leagues at Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. If Raul Ibanez gets hurt, maybe Cust will get the call to the lineup.

Also Wednesday, the Yankees claimed catcher Craig Tatum off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is the third claim a team has made on Tatum. First the Houston Astros claimed him then the Diamondbacks would claim him. The 29-year old backup will be used as insurance in-case Russell Martin and Francisco Cervelli both go down during the season.

Tatum has spent three off and on seasons in the big leagues. He made his debut in 2009 with the Cincinnati Reds and then has played the last two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.

In 100 career games, Tatum’s lone home run has come at the expense of Charlie Haeger of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tatum’s Reds would eventually lose that game 11-4. Tatum also has a career batting average of .223/.291/.264.

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