MLB Rumors: How Does Brian Cashman Make The New York Yankees Title Contenders?
December 15, 2010 · Nicholas Goss · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Brian Cashman struck out in free agency this winter, something he’s rarely done in his brilliant career as the New York Yankees general manager.
Cashman failed to acquire the Yankees‘ primary offseason target, Cliff Lee, and in doing so, the Yankees were beaten to Carl Crawford by their hated rivals, the Boston Red Sox.
About a week after Crawford chose Fenway Park instead of Yankee Stadium, Cliff Lee chose Philadelphia over New York and Texas. With Lee out of the picture, the Yankees need pitching.
Veteran left-hander Andy Petitte has not decided if he will return for another season in Yankee pinstripes, and if he chooses to retire, the Yankees have real problems in their starting rotation.
Manager Joe Girardi has only one dependable starter on his staff, CC Sabathia. Phil Hughes has shown promise, but his ERA is much too high for Girardi’s liking.
To improve the pitching staff, the Yankees could go a number of ways. They could pursue a few trades, sign some lower tier free agent pitchers or trade some veterans for prospects and either rebuild with them or use them as trade bait.
Possible trade possibilities include Zach Greinke of Kansas City, but given Greinke’s history of anxiety, many baseball executives feel he would fail playing in a big market. Matt Garza of Tampa Bay is another pitcher who has been put on the trading block, but the Rays are unlikely to trade Garza within the AL East.
If Cashman cannot find a trade to improve the rotation, there are a few veteran free agents who could be temporary fixes for this season.
Brandon Webb is still unsigned, and the former NL Cy Young award winner is looking for a fresh start after multiple injury ridden seasons in Arizona.
Several years ago the Yankees outbid the Boston Red Sox for starter Carl Pavano of the Florida Marlins. In 2010, the Yankees would be wise to again pursue Pavano, who had a solid year with the Twins.
If these veteran free agents aren’t the solution for Cashman, he could explore some ways to acquire prospects for trades or to develop internally.
Either way Cashman decides to go, he has his work cut out for him. The Yankees are an older team and may not even make the playoffs in 2011.
Pitching wins in baseball, especially in the playoffs, and right now, the Yankees pitching staff is average at best.
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