Andy Pettitte Returns to Yankees: Does Michael Pineda Go Back to the Minors?
March 16, 2012 · Chris Stephens · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees got a nice present Friday when Andy Pettitte decided to come out of retirement and sign a minor league contract with the team.
Now, the question is, after Pettitte is ready to go, does newly acquired starting pitcher Michael Pineda go down to the minors?
CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova are already guaranteed spots in the team’s roation, with another spot likely going to Hiroki Kuroda. That leaves one spot for Pineda, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes to battle for.
While sending Pineda back down to the minors might be the easier decision since he’s only 23, I also think it’s the wrong decision.
Case in point, last year Pineda went 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 173 strikeouts for a Seattle team that went 67-95.
To go along with that, 19 of his 28 starts were quality, and he left the game five times with the lead only to see the bullpen lose it. To make matters worse, he only received a little more than three runs of support per game. In the American League, that’s a tough number to accumulate wins with.
When the Yankees traded one of their top prospects for Pineda, you know the right-hander had to be excited to get to play in the Big Apple. The feeling was mutual, as the Yankees likely expected him to be their No. 2 or 3 starter with the talent he possesses.
Now, with Pettitte coming back, Pineda drops down and his position is not a lock anymore, which is a big mistake in my opinion.
There’s a reason Pettitte was signed to a minor-league contract. I don’t think it should be a foregone conclusion that he’ll have a rotation spot.
Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, even if it’s a decision about a guy who has spent most of his career with your team.
In 2009, Tom Glavine was working his way back with the Braves, going through Triple-A in an effort to get back with the big club.
However, a young flamethrower named Tommy Hanson was also doing well, and he got the call-up instead of Glavine, much to the anger of Braves’ fans.
So, what did Hanson do that year? He went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 21 games started.
The same can hold true for Pineda with the Yankees, although he’s pitched in the big leagues before.
A young flamethrower, in my opinion, is always better than a crafty veteran who will be no better than a No. 5 pitcher when all is said and done.
Obviously, Pettitte will be with the big-league club once he’s ready, so really the conversation will be on who will be the fifth pitcher.
In my book, Garcia is in the same boat as Pettitte but is not going to strike many guys out.
And, Hughes, we just have no clue what’s going to happen with him. Sure, he’s healthy now, but for how long? Hughes is probably better suited for long relief or to be traded to another team.
I’m pretty sure teams like the Cubs, Indians and Rockies would all be interested in trading for the 26-year old. And, I’m sure the price wouldn’t be too high—maybe a couple minor leaguers.
Regardless of what they decide, the Yankees are in a good position. While other teams are constantly looking for starting pitchers, the Yankees find themselves in the same position as the Braves with too many starters who are major-league ready.
So, what will the Yankees do?
Only time will tell.
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