tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196438030410230270.post8655713069153801460..comments2023-11-02T07:18:19.345-04:00Comments on River & Sunset: Nice recovery by YanksDan Hanzushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180583987454766369noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196438030410230270.post-33970456396844540272008-08-04T08:42:00.000-04:002008-08-04T08:42:00.000-04:00Ok, I suppose you never really can have too much s...Ok, I suppose you never really can have too much starting pitching.<BR/><BR/>Still seems a bit excessive to me though, I can't see the Yanks not landing a frontline starter this offseason and with that you will probably end up with an entire extra rotation come spring training. <BR/><BR/>I don't really expect Pettitte to retire with a brand new Yankee stadium to pitch in, I also think moose will be back (although even if he goes he'll be a type A free agent and so the Yanks will get draft picks). Pitching in the new stadium is going to be a drawcard for any free agents the Yanks go after (that and the ton of money they will free up) and I expect it to be a productive offseason (although they will probably overpay for the players they get).<BR/><BR/>They could run into spring with:<BR/><BR/>Wang<BR/>CC<BR/>Joba<BR/>Moose<BR/>Pettitte<BR/>Hughes<BR/>Kennedy<BR/>Washburn<BR/>X number of overrated prospects<BR/><BR/>Thing is, could the Yankees get into October without Washburn? Once they are there, the need for a fifth starter is minimal.<BR/><BR/>You do have both Kennedy and Hughes plus Pavano (who actually has an incentive to pitch this year considering next year he won't get paid 10mil to not pitch)SA Yankee fanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17085791992463153406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196438030410230270.post-4884612665046391792008-08-04T04:53:00.000-04:002008-08-04T04:53:00.000-04:00Hey SA. As always, thanks for reading.If we both a...Hey SA. As always, thanks for reading.<BR/><BR/>If we both agree that Rasner and Ponson shouldn't be in the rotation, then that means you have two spaces to fill.<BR/><BR/>Sure, plugging in Hughes and Kennedy makes sense on paper, but they were both awful before hitting the DL. It's certainly a reach to expect both to excel now.<BR/><BR/>So I hedge my bets. Figure either Hughes or Kennedy will come back and be effective. Washburn slides into one of the slots as a dependable veteran.<BR/><BR/>I have a feeling that of Pettitte and Mussina, only one vet will be coming back. Maybe neither. Pettitte is always talking about retiring while Mussina may end up asking for too much after what could be an 18-20 win season. If the Yanks sign CC and both vets are history, the rotation looks like this:<BR/><BR/>Sabathia<BR/>Wang<BR/>Joba<BR/>Hughes<BR/>Kennedy<BR/><BR/>Washburn makes complete sense for this year, and he is a good -- if not expensive -- insurance policy if the kids falter again in '08.<BR/><BR/>If both kids excel, the Yankees are a 100-win team that can deal off Washburn for a mid-level prospect in May or June. Eating some or all of the salary is never an issue in Yankee Universe.<BR/><BR/>If Pettitte or Mussina do come back, Washburn will likely be dealt before Spring Training.<BR/><BR/>Pavano can't be in the discussion. He just can't.Dan Hanzushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12180583987454766369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196438030410230270.post-84252488717314123042008-08-04T02:59:00.000-04:002008-08-04T02:59:00.000-04:00I agree the Yanks need to do something about the b...I agree the Yanks need to do something about the backend of the rotation but do you really think it is wise to go after Washburn? You have Kennedy, Hughes and Pavano(not that I am holding out much hope for him) all either available or soon to be available.<BR/><BR/>Lets assume with the roughly 80mil (70 if they get Washburn) the Yanks have available this offseason they either get CC or Sheets for the frontend of their rotation, they will have way too much starting pitching. I understand that they can just trade away the excess but I don't think they are going to be able to get rid of Washburn and his 10mil a year. <BR/><BR/>I understand they are going for it this year and want to be playing in October but they can plug Kennedy in now (I know it is only AAA but he does seem to be pitching quite weel) and then Hughes in like 3 weeks. These guys were good enough for rotation spots in April, why are they not good enough now?SA Yankee fanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17085791992463153406noreply@blogger.com