MLB Rumors: What Free Agents are Left for the New York Yankees?
December 22, 2010 · Justin Eisenband · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The Boston Red Sox made their moves. Trading for Adrian Gonzalez and signing Carl Crawford has transformed the Red Sox from one of the better offensive teams in the league into the most feared lineup in the American League.
The Philadelphia Phillies stole Cliff Lee right out from under the Yankees’ nose. Imagine facing a playoff rotation of Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.
Now that Lee is off the board, New York has to turn elsewhere to fill glaring holes in the rotation. The Yankees are also thin in proven players off the bench and right handed relief pitchers.
The Yankees had $20 million per year earmarked for Lee. Clearly, no one can doubt that New York has the money to spend.
The question becomes: are there any free agents or trade targets worth signing or relinquishing prospects for? The signing of Russell Martin could have been a clue that one of New York’s catching prospects is on the block.
With Andy Pettitte leaning towards retirement, the rotation is questionable beyond CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett. Burnett was simply awful last season, and Hughes struggled late down the stretch.
As Brian Cashman described the situation, “Bottom line is there is a price to pay for waiting for Cliff Lee. Now, part of that price is definitely going to be loss of previous opportunities that (existed). At the same time, now it’s going to have to be some patience.
“Now, it’s going to be a steeper mountain to climb, which is fine, because we can climb it. Steeper meaning it’s going to take a longer way to get there. It’s a harder road to travel. That’s OK. You can still get there.”
The Yankees may be looking at some veterans coming off of medical troubles in recent years. Both Freddy Garcia and Brandon Webb have been rumored to be on New York’s radar. Another rumor has the Yankees interested in lefty Jeff Francis with Pettitte leaning towards retirement.
New York may also look to within the organization to fill the last two rotation spots. Ivan Nova had some success as a starter, but did not get passed the sixth inning in a single start. Sergio Mitre started 27 games for the Florida Marlins in 2007 compiling a 4.65 ERA. Some other considerations could be Hector Noesi, David Phelps or Andrew Brackman.
Even if New York enters the season with an underwhelming rotation, it would not be surprising to see the Yankees pull of a trade for a top of the rotation starter by midseason. Despite an unbelievable lineup, New York’s starting pitching struggled in the postseason, and Cashman realizes that the current rotation cannot hold up in a playoff series.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
