Sal Fasano and Nick Green were two of the role players who helped the Yankees capture their ninth consecutive American League East title this season. On Monday, the two players became free agents.
Green and infielder Andy Cannizaro were outrighted to Triple-A Scranton, with Green electing to become a free agent. Fasano, whose contract extended through the 2006 season, also elected to become a free agent, according to the team.
Green, 27, appeared in 46 games with the Yankees, making 11 starts at second base, eight at third and three at shortstop. He filled in for Miguel Cairo after the utility infielder landed on the disabled list on Aug. 8 with a hamstring injury.
Green, who batted .240 with two home runs and four RBIs in 75 at-bats with New York, began the season with Tampa Bay and was acquired by the Yankees for cash considerations on May 25 after being designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on May 5.
Fasano, 35, batted .217 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 78 games with the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006. Fasano, who replaced Kelly Stinnett as the backup catcher in late July, appeared in 28 games with the Yankees, starting 16 times behind the plate. He was acquired from the Phillies in exchange for infielder Hector Made on July 25.
Cannizaro, 28, batted .250 (2-for- in 13 games with the Yankees in 2006. He hit .276 in 116 games with Triple-A Columbus, leading the team with a .361 batting average vs. left-handed pitchers. Cannizaro had his contract purchased from Columbus on September 5 and made his Major League debut that night at Kansas City.