Cheap Alternatives Part One: Starting Pitchers

We all know that the Yankees could go out and buy CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Derek Lowe if the wanted to. However, the Yankees are attempting to cut back on payroll this year, meaning that signing a majority of high-priced free agents would not be a reasonable approach to the offseason. This article is going to take a look at some of the less expensive free agent starting pitchers that could possibly fit into the Yankees' needs. Although there is no cheap alternative to a must have type pitcher, such as CC Sabathia, there are alternatives to guys such as the injury-prone A.J Burnett and Ben Sheets and the aging Derek Lowe.

Starting Pitchers:

Brad Penny- Penny had somewhat of a drop-off from 2007. However, he could be signed if the Yankees believe that he could return to his past production.

Jon Garland- Although he is not going to strike out many and is going to give up some hits and walks, he is a great option as a number five starter, which is exactly what the Yankees lacked last year.

Randy Wolf- Wolf had a great second half last year after being dealt to the Astros. However, he may not have a great transition into the American League. Also, he is getting old and the Yankees are trying to get young.

Junichi Tawaza- Although he may turn out to be quite the starting pitcher in the major leagues, I don't see the Yankees taking another swing at a Japanese free agent pitcher after Kei Igawa.

Koji Uehara- Same as Tawaza. Could be great, but not with the Yankees.

Braden Looper- Had a breakout season in 2008. However, he has never played in the American League, which could result in a huge dropoff from his 2008 stats.

Paul Byrd- Getting old, but could make a nice spot starter when Joba Chamberlain needs some rest.

Freddy Garcia- Could come cheap after pitching in just 14 games in 2007 and 2008 combined. Much like Byrd, Garcia could be a nice spot starter or sixth pitcher when Joba Chamberlain needs to cut back on his innings. However, his arm is not likely 100%.

Mark Prior- Another injury-case like that of Freddy Garcia with less success. Prior was expected to be one of the greatest pitchers in the major leagues before injuries forced him away from those goals. If he could return to 2003 or 2005 form, this could be a great pickup for the Yankees. Like Wolf and Looper, Prior has yet to pitch in the American League.

Horacio Ramirez- Case much like that of Mark Prior in which he was expected to be great, but did not live up to those expectation. Should he return 2003 or 2005 form (also like Prior), Ramirez could make a good spot starter. However, do not expect these numbers to return any time soon.

Mark Mulder- Mulder had a great career in Oakland,as well as a good year in St. Louis, before dealing with shoulder problems in 2006. Should he return to form following surgeries, Mulder would make a great pickup.

Although these options are much cheaper than the likes of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Ben Sheets, or even Derek Lowe, only a few are reasonable pickups for the Yankees. Brad Penny and Jon Garland could make a good impact for the big league club if signed. However, the remainder of these options would be rehabing in the minor leagues and the Yankees do not want to pay pitchers for that. (See Carl Pavano)