With Chein Ming Wang having a setback in his rehab and due to see Dr James Andrews today, Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi said yesterday that the team is looking to add depth to their starting rotation. Brian Hoch of MLB.com has the story:
It is a situation that general manager Brian Cashman is acutely aware of as the Yankees approach the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. While there are no moves that can be classified as imminent, he acknowledges that there is room for improvement.
“When we made the decisions that we’ve made so far, they were tough decisions with consequences,” Cashman said on Thursday. “We’re better because of those moves, but we’re thinner.”
Girardi goes on to add:
“I still think there is some concern with our depth,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I’m not saying that you necessarily trade for a Major League pitcher, but there is some concern if someone else goes down. There are some innings limitations on Joba, so that is something that is a concern.
Adding depth can be done in a few different ways. You can add a middle to back of the rotation MLB starter and demote Sergio Mitre. Chances are the Yanks would look for someone that’s overpaid, on a team that’s out of it and due to be a free agent at the end of the year. Looking at the 2010 Free Agent list these options aren’t overly exciting, with names like Odalis Perez, Adam Eaton and Brandon Backe in this category. Seattle is still in contention, so Eric Bedard and Jarrod Washburn would likely have to wait for a mid-August deal in which they would clear waivers. Most of the other free agents-to-be are on teams that are still in the hunt, and the Reds even said yesterday that they will be buyers, not sellers.
You could acquire a low ceiling former MLB veteran AAA starter who’s blocked on another team. Someone like Mike Hampton, Tom Glavine or Casey Fossom. Again, not all that attractive. Guys like that are blocked for a reason, and it’s usually because they don’t have much left in the tank. Or you could go ahead and make a blockbuster deal for a high end starter like Halladay or Cliff Lee, and then demote Sergio Mitre an keep him at AAA as your insurance policy. But we know those guys will cost a boatload in terms of talent.
Looking at where things currently stand, the smart move appears to be waiting to see who pops up on the waiver wire and taking it from there. But if there was another injury, right now Ivan Nova would be the most likely callup. Looking at our current options, he may be the best one.
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We will find out if Girardi is a good manager over then next month. If he can get Melancon into the bullpen mix by bringing him into an inning with 2 outs and then letting him pitch into the next inning as long as he’s getting outs. If Melancon can gain confidence the Yankees can move Aceves to the rotation when needed.
Marte pitched well last night in AAA if he can come back and Melancon steps up his game the Yankees don’t need any pitchers.
Much depends on what the Yankees believe they’ll get from Pettite and Chamberlain as the 3/4 starters in the current rotation. If these two can produce quality starts most of the time, then depth translates into a fringy or former major league starter who could be parked at Scranton until needed. On the other hand, if the team regards the Pettite/Chamberlain duo as suspect, they would look for a more significant replacement such as Zach Duke, Brian Bannister, Washburn, or some of the other names who have been mentioned here before. My read on this is that the team thinks it can count on its current 3/4 guys, and accordingly will look for supplemental insurance (an AFLAC acquisition!) instead. Only a real bargain deal would alter that.
I know we want to keep Hughes in the pen for now, but couldn’t Joba slide into that role once approaching his innings limit? From there we really wouldn’t suffer from moving Hughes (preferably), or Aceves into the rotation.
Still I understand the depth concern. Very surprized that Igawa has not even put himself in contension. Also, I’m dissapointed that Kennedy is not healthy. This would have been a golden opportunity for him.
Last, I don’t see how any team outside the top three in the AL East think they have a chance at the wild card. Then, do the Mariners think they are better than the Angels? Reality would suggest that Washburn should be moved. Perhaps they have to hold the dream for the fans though.
I still say, “Go with what we have!” Almost anyone we pick-up will cost an arm & leg.
They should go get Paul Maholm, the lefty starter from the bucs. He is only 27 and has good stuff and numbers have been good this year. They wont have to surrender much and he can eat innings and learn from CC, Andy, and AJ.
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