On the Yankees beat

Pettitte's best days are behind him. The Yankees should stay away from all NL pitchers whether by free agent signing, or trade. Whatever Clemens decides, Andy will do likewise.

Fotget Andy, his best days are gone. A player needs more commitment than he's showing for the millions that he'll want.

I don't doubt Andy's abilities and don't necessarily count him as a "National League" pitcher,and I don't think he is done either as he had a pretty nice second half last year and he is lefthanded after all and could probably pitch until he is 40. However I'm not sure the Yanks should commit to someone who does not want to play.
With the Astros signing Carlos Lee today for 6 yrs/$100M do they have enough money left to sign Andy and Clemens if they decide to come back? Jim B. can you provide insight?

I hoped Petite retires and never comes back. He's loves his family and his wife.

Free Agent Catcher Paul Bako a backup catcher possibilties to jorge? Zaun and Molina are looking for starters money and job.

Yanks Reducing Payroll To Pay For The New Stadium, Omar and Cashman on the same goal.Fans will still be paying the same prices.thoughts?

I think Yanks are reducing payroll because they actually are working on a farm system that works.

Matsuzaka Says Goodbye To Japan

http://japanball.com/news.phtml?id=8383

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is in talks with the Boston Red Sox after
drawing a record bid, bode farewell to Seibu Lions fans Thursday when
he appeared in an event at the home field of the Pacific League team.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/documents/2006/11/14/144121/1/2007_Schedule.pdf?sid=t531

- Scranton - Red Barons O7 Schedule - The triple A's New Affiliate of the Yankees

Does anyone know If Hughes, Clippard and Cox will be on Scranton roster? Thanks.

Beware of The Monster

By Eric Neel ESPN The Magazine

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2669791

Daisuke Matsuzaka smiles and a host of cameras flash. It's a lightning storm inside the ballroom of the Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, where some 200 journalists are gathered on Nov. 1 for Matsuzaka's "posting," the official announcement that his negotiating rights are up for bid. The 26-year-old Seibu Lions righthander, the best pitcher in Japan and the biggest star in all of Japanese professional sports, sits behind a flower-draped dais, looking nothing like his nickname, The Monster. Appearance is as important as reality here, and Matsuzaka's navy-blue suit, white shirt and black dotted tie all show respect for tradition. He smiles again, shyly -- not posing or hamming but beaming, each flash of his teeth met with the bright pop of the cameras.

Beware of The Monster

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2669791

An Article about Matsuzaka and This Writer is Redsox homer who overhyped Dmat so much. I don't think the Yankees will not be indimated against Dmat thoughts?

How about Darren Oliver Replacing Ron Villone?

He did great job and had a good stats for the mets as long man.

How about signing him to one year deal? discuss?

Leeroy- Oliver is an interesting thought. How many times has he been considered "done". This guy has more lives than a cat. If Villone leaves, I like him as a potential replacement. I like Villone and I like the work he did in the first few months of last season but I believe he just wore down as he was over used.

The perfect FA pickups.

Hillenbrand and THAT'S IT.

Bring Hughes, Sanchez, Clippard, and Cox to sprin training and see who could help us. Before that though you already go into camp with this rotation (cringe).

Wang, Mussina, RJ, Pavano, Karstens. Regardless you have to have Hughes waiting in the wings as a spot 5th starter because one of these guys isnt going to pan out. You keep Hughes' innings down because of all the off days early and let him rip in the 2nd half. We all know Torre coddles his starters regardless so he will be under 200 innings for sure.

Ideal rotation by break.

Wang, Mussina, Pavano/RJ (one of them should pan out), Hughes, Karstens

Pen: Britton, Meyers, Villone, Farns, Proctor, Rivera, Cox/Bean

Now I know this and that about rookies, especially 2 of them in the rotation but let's face it. Hughes has more upside than any free agent on the market and Clippard or Karstens know how to pound the strike zone. I love the talent in the farm system and Karstens pitched well and I don't think they would be rushing Hughes. Sanchez was almost called up last year with Detroit as well.

I personally wouldn't mind trading Pavano and Melky to Chicago for Burhle and eating 7 million of Pavanos contract. Buehrle is an innings eater and will keep you in the game, plus hes a lefty.

I love the talent on the farm. The Yanks have 5 pitchers ahead of any Sox pitcher on the farm and the only quality pitcher they have who is at a higher level is Buckholz.

Let the kids play. We have the offense to do it.

blaine, those are my sentiments exactly. the offense can carry things until july when the pennant race starts to take shape. then if we need a pitcher, look around. but the answer to that question is probably in the farm system.

let's dance with who brung us!

Blaine-

I agree on trading Pavano but there is a problem. HE HAS NO TRADE VALUE! What team would be dumb enough to take him? Face it Pavano is here to stay. However I strongly disagree on trading Melky. According to you we should trade one of the better left fielders in the game with a ton of years ahead of him for a pitcher that pitched to a sub .500 season? In case you were not aware Buehrle was 12-13 with a 4.99 era. I am sorry but I would not trade a gem in left that came up from our "farm system".I agree let the kids play and keep Melky in pinstripes!

I wonder how George would feel about eating 7MM of Pavano's contract. I do not believe that Cashman would make a deal like that; especially with Cabrera in it too. I hope he won't.

I have been a season ticket holder for over a decade and my tickets have more then doubled in that time. I would rather see the Yankees try and use the farm system as much as possible.

The way it is right now reminds me of the mid 80's with Ricky, Winfield, Clark, Baylor and on an on. What did that lead to?

I have no issue if the Yankees try and land a top flight starter but who is out there? Not much. To me Clemens makes little sense; Petitte is not sure he even wants to pitch. Schmidt wants to stay on the west coast. Zito has never impressed me too much.

I like what Cashman is trying to do. If he can land a guy before the trading deadline in July he will.

Jim A

I agree with everthing you said about Pettite. He still could be a good SP for us, but don't waste the $ on a guy that doesn't have the desire to play.

Rotoworld.com saying that the Giants are set to sign Aurilia. Does that make Hillenbrand the only appealing member of the remaining 1st base free agents?

Giants are set to sign Aurilia. Does that make Hillenbrand the only appealing member of the remaining 1st base free agents?
so

source -Rotoword

The Red Sox ARE going to sign Matsuzaka, WHO is as good as he is billed. The Sox will have a formidable starting rotation with Schilling/Beckett/Papelbon/Matsuzaka/Wakefield. They are also close to signing J.D. Drew who will slide into RF and the number 5 hole in the line-up to offer Manny protection. As well, the Sox will likely sign Lugo to lead off and play SS.

Point is, the Sox are spending the money to sign what they need, and have a bevy of yount talent up and coming from the last three drafts.

Has Cashman conceded? ...or is he being incredibly coy? In any event, the Yanks have some huge holes in their starting rotation...and little available to fill them. Zito?...pffft..the man cannot pitch to save his soul in the AL east..check his stats. Schmidt?...possibly..but NL pitchers dont usually fare well, at least in their first year, when they come to the AL..especially the AL east. Everything else out there is 2nd tier at best...including Andy..who I doubt will come to NY anyway (the Mrs has said "NO!"). Perhaps Pavano and/or RJ will somehow be reborn.....

Yanks have a formidable offense...probably the very best in baseball...and it will carry them a long way, but...the starting rotation and the age of even the seemingly invincible Mo Rivera leaves me to wonder if the Sox havent pushed ahead in the AL east.

USA TODAY\SPORTS WEEKLY reported this week that the W\Sox will be even more aggresive in their pursuit of A-ROD. The W\Sox have told the Yanks they can Joe Crede, and a starting pitcher of the Yankees' choosing. With the money and length of contract Sorianno and Carlos Lee have received, the Yankee obligation of $16 million to A-ROD is becoming more attractive daily. If we can get Brandon McCarthy, Joe Crede, and maybe a reliever or prospect for A-ROD, Cashman has to do it. With our weak pitching staff, this is a deal we have to make. A-ROD has said if the Yanks told him they didn't want him, he would consent to a trade. Time for Cashman to tell A-ROD it's time to go.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/story/474509p-399104c.html

In other Yankee doings, they are interested in Shea Hillenbrand or Rich Aurilia as a possible righthanded-hitting first baseman. According to a baseball official, the Yankees inquired about a trade for Tampa Bay's Ty Wigginton, the former Met, but the price tag apparently was too high.

AJ

There have been teams inquiring about Pavano. The issue is, they might not be offering much, or we might have to pay part of his salary if they are offering someone decent. But, it is now almost impossible for him to pitch for the Yankees again.

He is a running joke in the clubhouse with his own teammates and with management. The best thing for all parties involved is for him to be traded and get a fresh start with another team.

We can then move on and be rid of him, and he can resume his so-so career.

Recent Rumors About Danys Baez:

Mets, Red Sox and Indians interested. He wants to sign with a team offering him the closer's job. He does not want to be a set-up man. Orioles have made an offer. Royals have offered him the closer's job. Yankees interested, but he does not plan on signing with them. He is seeking a 3-year, $21M deal. He is not worth $ 7 million .

hes a good pitcher, not sure i want to see him on the red sox roster.

even though his stats were bloated last year (i think) hes a good pitcher, wouldnt surprise me if he returned to 05 tampa form w/. a change of scenery.

Source: New York Post

The problem I see with going with a very young rotation is that the young guys are not used to the amount of pitching they will do in the majors, along with the mental strain of a pennant race. A good example is Boston from last year. Papelbon broke down and the young starters all collapsed by August. The Yanks have babied Hughes and kept him on a strict pitch count, they can't throw him in there in April, he'll be done by July. Karstens just didn't do a whole lot for me last year, he had a handful of good starts. I just don't see this team, with it's advanced age, turning next season over to the kids in the rotation. I still think they will trade for a front of the rotation starter. BC is pretty reative and may come up with something that will surprise all of us.

Another rumor floating around out there is the Sox are trying to package Willy-Mo Pena and a prospect for the Nats young closer Chad Cordero....who is a very inticing option for them.

Roy

I like your thinking on A-Rod.

i'm positive a-rod gets traded. cashman is waiting for the big tickets to go off the market (soriano, lee...), because now the pressure grows. moreno promised angels' fans a huge signing. who's left? chicago wants to make some noise. now you bring out a-rod and secure the pitching stud everyone knows we need.

Former Texas backstop Rod Barajas has agreed to a two-year deal with the Blue Jays according to multiple major league sources. The deal will pay Barajas close to $6 million and he'll become Toronto's starting catcher. The deal is subject to Barajas passing a physical on Tuesday in Toronto.

Jim A

Very good analysis on the young SP's. I have no problem going with one youngster in the rotation (#5 spot) each year. But, you don't want to have a couple of them in there and have them pitch the whole season. They pitch less innings and less starts in the #5 hole and it's a great way to turn over the rotation from age to youth.

However, I also want to protect them from overload. That is why I say to "rotate" them in over the year. Example, gives Karstens 4 or 5 starts, then bring up Sanchez for the same, then Hughes, etc. This way, the Yankees can see what each one can do in the majors. But, they also protect them from being over worked.

And, I am confident that the combined totals of these kids will be just as good as a Jaret Wright type SP. And think of the millions you could save.

And, since the #5 SP is not used in the postseason anyway, when October comes around, just add an extra reliever to the staff or insert the kid that had the best summer tryout.

I think this plan is a great "out of the box" idea for any team to use in developing their best prospects. What do you think of it?

Rick,
I agree, I have no issues if the Yanks want to work in one youngster, but I think you agree that we can't go into the season with three of the five spots taken up by them.
The interesting one is Hughes. Do they save him for the second half and playoffs? Or will they worry that his confidence will be shot if he doesn't fare well. They are really protective of him so it should be interesting to see what they come up with.

Since Barajas went to the Jays (catcher) that may free up Zaun to come to NY. I'd like to see him as a back up to Posada.
I'm glad to see the regulars getting back on the blog, we were overrun by some Mets fans the past few days.

I was the one suggesting Piazza for the backup C spot. Actually, I think he could be a great addition and help in many other ways.

We could sign him to play alot of 1B and also relieve Posada at C when needed. He could also provide a good option at DH when we need a RH there.

He is a good RH bat that can still hit. He also is a proven quantity that can handle the pressures of NY. He can play C and 1B, or DH and PH. Although he wouldn't be a fulltime C, he certainly would get lots of AB playing multiple roles.

As far as salary, he only made $1.25 mil last year with SD. So, we could get him at a backup C price. I would call it a steal in today's market. What do the rest of you think?

If the Yanks simply want to get rid of Pavano, Cashman should contact the Braves. We would probably have to "eat" a little over half of the contract, and would get a mid-level prospect in return. The Braves have gone this route before, and even though they no longer have Leo Mazzone as their pitching coach, are still extremely budget conscience. This type of deal is right up their alley.

Gil L

I think you might be on to something with A-Rod.

I like Piazza at 1st base. Behind the plate, he seldom throws out base stealers. He would also be good as a late inning pinch hitter, and 3rd string "emergency" catcher.

Wake up! Piazza was horrible at first base! You just finished seeing Sheffield make a mockery of first base and you'd like to see Piazza become Giambi's caddy at first? No thanks!

Trading A-Rod to the White Sox for McCarthy and Crede does sound like a smart move. But like all deals it does have some issues. Crede coming off injuries and McCarthy has never been a starter for a full season. I would hope the Yanks can keep A-Rod and have the fans and the clubhouse issues simmer down. The issue with the Yanks since they last won the World Series in 2000 was pitching. I think Cashman realized that but he has not brought in a quality starter since 01 with Mussina. If Cashman brings in the right starters the Yankees will win it all again in 07. If not then we will make the playoffs and get bumped off again in the first round..What do you think?

Hey Rick, thanks for the comment. to furhter my suspicion, a very weird article appeared the other in either the post or the daily news (i don't remember). it was a full article about the new yankee hitting coach, mr. long. granted, it's a slow news season for baseball, but that was just a non-item. except for one thing... long mentioned, of all the players, his schedule for working with a-rod and the winter work their doing. this article was i'm sure the work of the yankee PR team, feeding it as-is to the paper. the goal, sustaining the illusion the a-rod is considered a main cog of the yankees, already working with the new coach, not even close to the trading block. cashman wants teams chasing after him, because at season's end everyone assumed a trade and the price went down. in order to get real value you must make teams try to pry him away as if he wasn't meant to go anywhere.
my money is still on a trade for pitching.

I don't think Piazza is the one the Yanks want to have as a backup catcher. They need someone who can throw out a runner late in the game or on the days Posada doesn't catch. While Posada was much better this year than he's been in the past throwing out runners, they still would like someone who they can put in the game late who will throw a runner out. Piazza has no chance of doing so and first base was a nightmare for him. I like Mike, and would like to see him come back to NY, but not at catcher. If we had a need for a RH DH, I'd like it to be him but we don't. He'll be an Angel is my feeling.
Also, I don't see the Yanks giving Pavano away and paying someone to do so. They will probably leak info that he is having a great offseason, is in great shape etc. so they can try to pump his value up a bit and maybe get at least a minor leaguer back for him. I think the Twins will have strong interest in him as they are down two starters if Radke indeed retires and we all know Loriano is gone for the year. He may be better of in the NL though so maybe he can go to the Reds for some bullpen help.

Gil L

I read that article too and your insight makes complete sense to me. The Yankees DO operate in mysterious ways, but once you catch on, we tend to have to read news about them in a between the lines sort of way.

I think I also read a story somewhere that Pavano is working out under Yankee supervision out in Arizona or some place. The story made it sound like they are counting on him for 2007. I saw it as Yankee propaganda to bump up his value for a trade. Real similar to the A-Rod story.

Phil D

You say not to trade A-Rod, but the reason we don't win is because we need PITCHING. That is the whole reason for trading A-Rod. He can bring us the type of PITCHING that we need.

The FA market is very thin for SP this year, but A-Rod can get us the type guys we need. However, I do not think Crede and McCarthy is the package I would be looking for.

Anyhow, which is it? Keep A-Rod or get the pitching we need?

Jim A

Thanks for your insight. I just thought Piazza was a better choice than what is out there on the market. I am tired of watching C's who NEVER get a hit, or even a Sac fly. They are basically automatic outs and I've had enough of it.

How often during a season does the backup C's throwing determine a game? I would trade that tiny % for some decent offense over the course of the summer.

And at 1B, I wasn't counting on him to be fulltime, just help out there also since it is a hole. Actually, I still say Giambi should play 1B half the time. I don't see where his defense cost us the season. That would also open up more PT for Melky.

As it looks now, we will have discontent Hillenbrand (Sheffield light) at 1B and another stiff at backup C. Personally, I would take Piazza over that.

Hey, why not give Bernie a shot at some 1B. His main drawback as an OF is a weak arm. But, throwing at 1B is much easier than from CF. What does it hurt to let him give it a try in spring training?

Red Sox Getting Drew = More Pressure On The Yanks, to get a lefthanded starter/ reliever..

drew doesn't hit lefties too well, 244 last year, 3 homeruns

Drew kills righties though

yanks better go get zito or sign one of those japanese lefties pitchers for the pen also.

Does anyone know If Zaun is type A or type b free agent? thanks.

Zaun is type B free agent and it will cost a yankees sandwich pick.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-10-31-elias-rankings.htm

I have some questions not about The Yankees but regarding to food?

have you guys eaten Kimchi or sushi or teriyaki?

Which is food is the best?

Tomorrow at 5:00 PM the posting of Kei Igawa will come to an end.
10 teams have reportedly shown interest in him, and the Yankees are among them.

Lily's agent told the media that Cashman would make a move after that, which means Lily is a back plan for Yanks in case they don't win the right.

Wang
Mussina
Randy (may be out until May)
Kei Igawa or Lily
Pavano or ??

They also have Rasner and some others, but I would like to add someone like Suppan myse

Ron Villone Nears Deal With Indians

http://nysportsdog.blogspot.com/

The Indians have a big interest in reliever Ron Villone, but won't formally announce the signing until next Saturday. Thats the deadline for a free agent's old team to offer him arbitration changed from Dec. 7 in the new basic agreement. If a player isn't offered arbitration, the team that signs them won't lose draft picks as compensation.

The bigger question is: how are the Yankees going to eat up the 80 innings Villone threw in 70 games? Cashman has had a terrific off-season thus far, but has he addressed the bullpen situation?

Villone was a minor piece, a veteran inning eater, and is heading to the Indians.

Cashman's Plan, Villone to Cleveland, Aurilia to Giants

I keep hearing names that were associated with the Yankees' interest going to other teams. This morning, the Cleveland-Plains Dealer said the Indians would formally announce the signing of Ron Villone next Saturday. Rod Barajas has gone to the Jays, Rich Aurilia to the Giants, Justin Speier to the Angels, Jamie Walker to the Orioles, Wes Helms to the Phillies and Neal Cotts to the Cubs...all players mentioned in association with the Yankees' rumored plans. Obviously the starting pitching market hasn't broken yet....but I am curious as to what Cashman's plans are to improve the bullpen, the bench and first base.

For Those Interested In Mark Mulder

Rangers officials recently flew into Arizona to meet with Mark Mulder's agents.

The Rangers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Padres, Dodgers, Indians, Mets, Rays and Orioles are all trying to lure Mulder away from St. Louis, even though he probably won't be ready to pitch in April and there's no guarantee that he'll ever again be a top-of-the-rotation guy. He could pick a team soon.
Source: Boston Globe

notice how everyone of these trade rumors whether its on rotoworld.com, foxsports.com or mlbtraderumors.com... always leave out the yankees.

i'm beginning to wonder if cashman is interested in anyone.

Let Sean Henn Replace Villone Next Year

some of you may think i'm crazy, but I think it's time to let the young kid sean henn grow and go through some adversity, maybe find himself as a consistant member in the yankees bullpen.

look, he's a lefty who throws 91-95, he was signed as a closer, not a starter.... as a reliever he could feel more comfortable.

you don't give up on those type of people that early, once he learns how to throw strikes (and once he's allowed to pitch more often as opposed to once in 21 days), he could be good.

how many of us thought Proctor would be as good as he was heading into the 2006 season?

give the kid a chance, don't waste money on a fading, aging 36 year old reliever.

Willy posts:

"the Cleveland-Plains Dealer said the Indians would formally announce the signing of Ron Villone next Saturday." I just checked the Plain Dealer. It does not say that.

This is what it says: "The Indians still have an interest in relievers Ron Villone and Scott Schoeneweis, Danys Baez and Joe Borowski, but not much is expected to happen until next Saturday. Thats the deadline for a free agents old team to offer him arbitration changed from Dec. 7 in the new basic agreement. "

http://nysportsdog.blogspot.com/

I also read from this website.

I'm not familiar with that Web site, but it appears that they are taking a leap after reading the Plain-Dealer story. I don't get the impression they have inside info. But who knows? I could be wrong.

Ummh so what happens if Crede comes here and bombs , and mcarthy turns out to be a bum come on now leave A-rod the hell alone dammm people we supposed to be yankee fans here. if Jeter had arod numbers he wins the Mvp, you talking about a 30 year old Star in Arod, leave him alone Trade Giambi, get some prospects while he is still a 260 hitter

I think a lot of movement will happen next week when teams are expected to offer or decline arbitration for their current free agents. A lot of deals are probably in place already, but teams are waiting to make sure the players they are going to sign aren't offered arbitration so they don't have to give up a draft pick. This could be the case with Zaun and the Yanks. Since the Jays have evidently signed Barajas, they surely won't offer Zaun arbitration which makes him available without compensation to the Jays. While I agee with Rick about being tired of automatic outs subbing for Posada, I think Zaun is a step above that. He's a good defensive catcher who can hit a little too. He's no Piazza with the stick, but he's a better glove and arm. He's also no Fasano, Stinnett, Mirabelli etc. who are all invited to play on my beer-league softball team any time they want. Well, maybe not Stinnett, he really sucked.

Why do I get the feeling that when all is said and done that Barry Zito will end up with the Yankees????

George has been very quiet this off-season but with Gil Meche probably headed to the Cubs, Jason Schmidt likely going to Seattle, Ted Lilly possibly returning to Toronto, Andy and Roger going back to Houson, if they don't retire, I see a scenario similar to last year's situation with Johnny Damon - The Yankees swooped in and got Damon after Boras dropped the price, and I see the same thing happening with Zito...

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Yanks signed two pitchers. After Wang and Moose, you have a very unstable staff...

Why Did jason Varitek deserves to be captain and wears c on chest? He was seattle organization and redsox purchased him from Seattle like Yankees did with Soriano right? Jeter is true captain, He a yankees homegrown unlike Varitek

Adding McCarthy to the stable of young starting pitchers we currently have would solidify our rotation for the next 5 years. The trading of A-ROD for McCarthy, Crede, and possibly a reliever or prospect would also keep Proctor in the bullpen where he belongs.

Varitek was acquired in a trade w/ Seattle and to say he shouldn't be captain is silly considering Graig Nettles and Willie Randolph were captains of the Yankees and they were both acquired in trades.

McCarthy is an unknown. I would have a very hard time trading a two time MVP who still has a lot of very good years left for an unknown, a 3B with a bad back and bullpen help. If we were talking about a front line starter like Johan Santana and at least one other major league player, I would consider it but it would still be tough. It's tough to trade a guy who goes out on the field every day for a pitcher who goes out every 5th day. Alex will get over the playoff slump and I think it would be a panic move to trade him right now.

I think in my opinion Yankees have to Arod this offseason. I think Arod is the main problem why Joe almost got fired by George earlier this year. Arod knows that Joe's favorite player and pet is Jeter. By not performing throughout Regular All season long and distancing himself by his teamates. It All started back in 2004 by Arod who is in conflict with Buck Showalter. I think Arod's conflict with Buck was created by Media and perfectly overblown . I also think Buck want Arod to be traded with the Yankees. Buck Showalter who helps rebuild the Yankees and fixing the Farm system. After Buck Showalter was fired and losing to mariners in the playoffs. Clueless Joe was later hired as a manager and steals the spotlight away from Buck by winning four world series. Even so Buck didn't receive any credit rebuilding the yankees and He was jealous with Joe and his success in Ny. That's why Arod got traded to Ny to end Yankees dominance and monolopy with baseball. This is the truth and this my opinion.

I'm not crazy or anything. That's my opinion.

Leeroy, I'm glad you asked that question. Sushi is the best. Thanks!

Xavier, you are a moron,
Thank you

Rick K,
I think we are on the same page. Pitching, pitching, pitching. But our difference is how to do they go about getting it. Signing a free agent would be ideal. Maybe Andy decides to come back. But i think we need the righthanded bat of A-Rod. Here is my solution. Sign a free agent like Pettitte or Ted Lilly. Or if they really want to get crazy Mark Mulder. See a pattern here. We need a quality left hander pitcher. Then supplement the backend of the rotation with the likes of Karstens, Hughes, Sanchez et al. So here's my starting rotation. Not in any particular order. Mussina,Wang,Lilly,Johnson,The winner of the Karstens, Sanchez, Rasner battle. Some other pitcher could win the 5th spot too. Then try and trade Pavano to the NL for some relief help. Middle relief would be nice.

How's that sound?

Phil

Phil

I agree with you on needing PITCHING! And, I want NO part of anything to do with Pavano although I think Cashman still does. Get rid of him ASAP. I do like Lilly for various reasons, including LH, ex-Yankee, younger, durable, and proven AL pitcher. So, let's take a look at our rotation with Lilly signed. Wang, Mussina, Lilly, Johnson, and a youngster in the #5 hole.

My idea is to use the #5 spot to develop and work in the youngsters. For post season, you don't need a #5 anyhow. I say let each of the youngsters (Karstens, Sanchez, Hughes, Rasner, etc) take turns being given 5 - 6 starts each, and then rotate in another one. This way, we can be careful not to overload any of them with too many innings while we see what each can do at the ML level.

The big question mark is Johnson. What IF he doesn't make it back or is even less effective than 2006. Then, you have to have 2 youngsters in the rotation and maybe for the whole season. That is why we actually need to get two quality and durable SP. That is where the trade of A-Rod comes in. We signed Lilly, but still need another SP.