MLB Free Agents 2012: Is Mark Buehrle the Right Fit for the New York Yankees
October 13, 2011 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The overriding focus for the New York Yankees this offseason will be starting pitching.
But in my humble opinion, the free agent signing that could push the Yankees over the top isn’t who you might think.
It isn’t C.J. Wilson or Yu Darvish.
Instead, it’s Mark Buehrle.
Buehrle has won 15 games or more five times in the past decade. This past season, on a bad team, Buehrle won 13 games and posted a 3.59 ERA. Those are numbers that could no doubt improve with the kind of run support the Yankees will give him.
Buehrle also has postseason experience, most notably as a member of the 2005 World Series-winning Chicago White Sox. His numbers may not be spectacular in the playoffs, but would be good for a No. 3 starter which is where the Yankees would put him.
Buehrle would fit in perfectly behind CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. His 2011 numbers would be more than sufficient as the Bombers three starter.
Buehrle has also pitched in a big market his entire career as a member of the White Sox. Pressure and expectations would be nothing new for the lefty.
He is the Yankees’ most realistic option if they want to add pitching this season and not have to depend on rookies or trades to fill out their rotation. He would also make question marks like Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett less vital to the Yankees success.
C.J. Wilson isn’t leaving Texas. Rangers owner, Nolan Ryan loves his pitching and will spare no expense to keep his best starter, especially if his club wins the World Series. I would bet Wilson would even take less to stay in Texas.
As for Yu Darvish? The Yankees will have to pay through the nose just to talk to Darvish, let alone the money that will be needed to actually sign him. Buehrle is much more proven than Darvish is any day of the week.
Besides, haven’t we learned our lesson with Japanese pitchers not working out in New York or in the entire league for that matter.
Kei Igawa and Hideki Irabu. Enough said.
Buehrle is the Yankees best and most realistic option for 2012 if they want to improve their rotation and it’s a move I think the Yankees will be best off making as compared to their other “options” in the free agent market.
@michaelmoraitis
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