JACOBY ELLSBURY GOES TO YANKEES !

JACOBY ELLSBURY

Jacoby Ellsbury has signed with the New York Yankees.

The deal is worth $ 153 million for seven years and surpasses the deal Carl Crawford signed with the Red Sox before the 2011 season.

The contract also includes a $ 16 million option for 2021.

Although the Yankees claimed this year they were going to control their 'free agent' spending, with the payroll they have, they were always in the mix.

Reports indicate that the Yankees were having serious talks with Carlos Beltran over the weekend but the negotiations were heading nowhere. The Yankees then turned to Ellsbury and were able to secure a deal quickly.

The contract is a victory for Scott Boras, Ellsbury's agent. This contract passes the deal he signed for Carl Crawford.

Ellsbury is due in New York City for a physical examination today.

The Yankees appear to be taking a big gamble. Ellsbury has been injury prone the last two seasons and only played in 59 % of the Red Sox games.

Ellsbury's career began with a bang when he finished second in the American League MVP voting in 2011, after hitting .321 with 32 home runs and 105 RBI's.

In 2012 and 2013 injuries played a big factor in his playing time. His injury problems actually began in 2010 when he cracked his ribs and was limited to 18 games. In 2012, Ellsbury spent three months on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. And finally last season, Ellsbury broke a bone in his foot and missed 16 games in September.

In 2013 he hit .298 with a .781 OBS. He stole 52 bases on 56 attempts.

The Red Sox have been trying for years to get Ellsbury to sign a extension to his contract, but it was obvious as the years went by that Ellsbury was going to allow the market to dictate his value.

The Red Sox will now receive a supplemental first round draft pick as compensation from New York.

 Boston meanwhile, will make Jackie Bradley Jr. their center fielder. But the Red Sox are still talking to Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp. They also have the option of shifting Shane Victorino over to center, a position he has played most of his career.

Mark your calendars. Ellsbury will appear at Fenway in a Yankee uniform on April 22nd.