As you all know, the Yankees are looking to boost their club using sources outside of their system. Meaning that Brian Cashman and the Yankees are expected to be extremely this winter. Part two of Decisions, Decisions will focus on free agent starting pitchers.
Starting Pitchers
CC Sabathia- CC has proved himself to be a Cy Young-type player in both the American League and the National League. However, his increasingly high inning totals may be somewhat of a concern to the Yankees, as he threw 253 innings in 2008, 241 innings in 2007, and 192.7 innings in 2006. Although these rising numbers may cause concern about Sabathia's shoulder or arm in the future, it would be worth the signing, both next year and for years to come. I see CC signing with the Yankees.
A.J. Burnett- Although A.J. Burnett has been known to be a "Yankee Killer," he has also been known to be quite injury-prone. Following the Carl Pavano incident, the Yankees may be scared away by this fact. Unless CC Sabathia goes elsewhere, don't expect to see Burnett in pinstripes.
Ben Sheets- Ben Sheets is an example much like A.J. Burnett. Despite the fact that he is a great pitcher, he is rarely healthy enough to show it. Also, Sheets has little experience against American League batters, which would also scare the Yankees away a bit. Following the recent announcement of his injury, I don't see Sheets signing with the Yankees.
Derek Lowe- Despite the fact that Derek Lowe has been known to do well in both the American League and the National League, those days are behind him. Lowe is 36 years old and the Yankees are looking to get younger. Unless both Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina retire, I can't see Lowe as a Yankee.
Oliver Perez- Oliver Perez may seem like a great fit after 2008. However, he has seen very little American League batting and has not been good against the little that he has faced. Also, Perez seems to be very inconsistent. Despite his young age, Perez's high ERA and lack of experience in the AL will result in a deal with a team other than the Yankees.
Jon Garland- Jon Garland has been a steady pitcher in the American League for a while now, having consecutive 10 win seasons dating back to 2002. Although he does have about a 4.50 lifetime ERA, Garland would not be expected to be a number one starter, but more of a three or four starter (should CC Sabathia be signed). Also, Garland is will only be 29 years old at the start of the 2009 season, which would help somewhat in the youth movement. Unless he resigns with the Angels, I can see Garland in the Yankees' rotation.
Ryan Dempster- Following Ryan Dempster's great 2008 season after a move from the bullpen to the rotation, I can't see the Chicago Cubs letting him go quite yet. However, this may be better for the Yankees, as Dempster has seen very little American League batting and had a great jump in innings totals from 2007 to 2008, going from 66.7 innings to 206.7 innings. If the Yankees have been known for anything regarding starting pitchers lately, its that they like to build up on innings. I can't see Dempster pitching for the Yankees in 2009.
John Lackey and Brad Penny- I don't see the Angels or the Dodgers going for the buyout on either of these number one starters. Unfortunately, neither of these guys will be wearing pinstripes in 2009.
John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, and Kenny Rogers- Despite the fact that each of these pitchers have been great in their careers, that was long ago and the Yankees are looking for youth. There is no way that the Yankees sign any of these pitchers.
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7 comments:
Chris,
I gotta tell you....
I've read this several times...
This post is awesome!
It is the most comprehensive and logical post on the Yanks addressing starting pitching thru free agency that I've seen (and there's a lot of them out there).
Great job!
I pretty much agree with you verbatim except I'd take out the 'both' before Andy and substitute an 'or' for the 'and' between Pettitte and Mike under Derek Lowe. LOL
I say this because right this minute I see Chamberlain as the 6th starter and I'm a bit torn on Hughes as 5 or 7-AAA but right now I think AAA (watch the AFL). He & Kennedy are very young, they need more seasoning and their innings built up. Best to do it the right way if possible. To do this we need 4 guys to go with Wang.
CC & Garland, Moose & Andy are my ideal solution. If one of them doesn't happen, then Lowe becomes attractive. Hughes would need to get ready to step in when the inevitable injury happens to Wang, Andy and Joba. Now that's some SP depth! It's also something like 50-60 million in new payroll and makes Teixeira hard to do but so be it. Pitching is most important and over the next year or 3 as Andy and Moose (and Lowe if applicable) retire, Hughes and Joba can move to the forefront while being developed properly. That's the kind of vision I see Brian Cashman endorsing where we have good SPing every year while raising up our own kids right.
But hey, it's only October so there's a lot to sort out before next April.
Keep it up!
Thanks a lot.
And I was torn on the Derek Lowe case. I just took in the fact that the Yankees were trying to get younger and just mostly went with that. However, I can see Derek Lowe becoming a Yankee if, like you said, one of Mussina or Pettitte don't resign.
Real logical. garland to the Yankees? Maybe you should check his stats before you post nonsense
Okay let's take a look at Garland's stats. Keeping in mind that he would likely be a number five starter for the Yankees.
In 2008: 14-8, 196.7 IP, 237 H, 107 ER, 59 BB, 90 SO, 4.90 ERA
Career Totals: 106-89, 1625.3 IP, 1719 H, 807 ER, 532 BB, 851 SO, 4.47 ERA
Keep in mind that Garland has played in the AL for his entire career. Unlike pitchers such as an aging Derek Lowe, an often-injured Ben Sheets, and Oliver Perez.
Now let's take a look at the Yankee's common number five starters, Sidney Ponson and Darrell Rasner, and just to help your cause, I'll put their stats together.
In 2008: 9-14, 193.3 IP, 224 H, 120 ER, 71 BB, 100 SO
Ponson ERA: 5.85 (not including w/ Rangers)
Rasner ERA: 5.40
Wow, you're right, Garland would be an awful addition...
Right
"Real logical. garland to the Yankees?"
I think for any team, Garland as a 4 or 5 starter would be welcome. His stats are not perfect, and certainly not in line with what you would expect from a 1 or a 2 starter, but would be a vast improvement over the last few years.
"Maybe you should check his stats before you post nonsense"
My, it seems that the true nonsense would be those spouting off prior to understanding the meaning of a 4 or 5 starter. Rarely are the 4 or 5 guys the ones who shut down other teams, they are expected to give you a good 5 or 6 innings with minimal runs given up.
Chris, I don't agree with everything you have posted, but I had to come to your defense when I noticed the nonsense thing.
I didn't expect everyone to agree 100%. These were only my opinions based on what I have seen from various sources. I appreciate you coming to my side on the Garland topic.
Thanks for the comment
And also, if you like this article, feel free to check out my Decision, Decisions articles on:
Infielders: http://www.pinstripespublished.com/2008/10/decisions-decisions-infielders.html
And Re-signings: http://www.pinstripespublished.com/2008/10/decisions-decisions.html
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