Andy Pettitte has not been stellar this year, even in the big spot which he had previously excelled. However, unlike the perception that he has pitched terribly of late, he has actually pitched well in his last 3 starts - tonight being his first win of the 3.
However, I do not think the team should resign him for next year. The Yankees will likely sign Sabathia (although that is a questionable move in it of itself) and the rest of the rotation will fill out as follows. Wang is the 2, Joba is the 3 and Phil Hughes is the 5.
The internal debate will be who gets the number 4 spot - Pettitte or Mussina. I think Mussina's consistency this year (he will likely win 20 games this year for the first time ever) should prevail over Pettitte's past post season experience that people think will continue. The guy has not pitched as well as Mussina this year and will likely cost more money because of the fear that Mussina instilled last year when he pitched like a BP pitcher.
Note: So much for a pitchers' duel in Arizona between Haren and Peavy, 10 combined runs have been scored in the first 2 innings.
Yaros
something to remember about mussina is that this is a contract year for him...hence he is putting up solid stats.(same is true with sabathia and manny) i guess for a number 4 or 5 he wouldnt be bad. one guy who should be on the yanks radar is aj burnett. i mean if u cant beat em, join em.
ReplyDeleteyanks still need a pitcher for saturday, yaros u better get you arm loose and get on that hill.
The Yankees don't have many options left - Pavano is going to pitch. Why not? Throw him out there and give it a shot. There is not much to lose at this point.
ReplyDeleteYaros
If Pettitte wants to come back, he'll be back. While on paper Sabathia, Wang, Joba, Moose, Hughes sounds nice, the facts are Wang, Hughes and Joba will all be coming off of injury, while Moose will be another year older and who knows if he'll keep it up. Plus Sabathia supposedly likes California so if the Angels throw enough money at him he might go there.
ReplyDeleteI'd expect next year's rotation to be Wang, Joba, Moose, Pettitte, Hughes. We'll spend our money on Teixeira and Abreu, the payroll will actually be under 200 million.
But that's next year. We're only 10 and 5.5 out now.
Also, rumor has it Victor Zambrano might get the start since Pavano and Hughes may not be 100%.
ReplyDeletewell, the Yankees are in luck based on the Mets talent analysts. After all, if Zambrano is of equal caliber to Scott Kazmir then the Yankees are in for a treat if he starts.
ReplyDeleteYaros
which pitchers will be free agents after the season?
ReplyDeletePonson, Pettitte and Mussina
ReplyDeleteYaros
i meant not on the yankees. who'll be available?
ReplyDeleteStarting Pitchers
ReplyDeleteKris Benson PHI
A.J. Burnett TOR (may opt out)
Paul Byrd CLE
Ryan Dempster CHC
Jon Garland LAA
Tom Glavine ATL
Mike Hampton * ATL
Rich Harden * CHC
Orlando Hernandez NYM
Jason Jennings TEX
Randy Johnson ARZ
John Lackey * LAA
Esteban Loaiza CHW
Braden Looper STL
Derek Lowe LAD
Pedro Martinez NYM
Mike Mussina NYY
Jamie Moyer PHI
Mark Mulder * STL
Carl Pavano NYY
Brad Penny * LAD
Odalis Perez WAS
Oliver Perez NYM
Andy Pettitte NYY
Mark Prior SD
Horatio Ramirez KC
C.C. Sabathia MIL
Ben Sheets MIL
John Smoltz * ATL
Julian Tavarez ATL
Steve Trachsel BAL
Brett Tomko SD
Claudio Vargas MIL
Randy Wolf HOU
If there's an asterisk that means there's an option.
Many on the list will be using their medicare benefits next year to repair their battered arms. it would be good to hear from the blog-master as to whom he thinks will sign those on the list that will actually pitch next year.
ReplyDeleteAl, check out my blog entry on the topic.
ReplyDeleteYaros
Al, check out my blog entry on the topic.
ReplyDeleteYaros