Rumor mill: Yanks in talks for Cleveland's Paul Byrd

by John Amato on Jul 31, 2008 2:29 PM EDT

That's what I heard Chris Carlin report on WFAN. The Yanks need a starter badly. He's terrible, (5-10, 4.93 ERA) but I guess better than Ponson if Washburn falls through. Would you rather bring up IPK?

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I'd prefer to go with Kennedy or Aceves

Screw Washburn and Byrd.

by anaconda on Jul 31, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

"Would you rather bring up IPK?"

Why, yes. Yes I would.

by DeathSquire36 on Jul 31, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

Joel Sherman says this

is not gonna happen.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Jul 31, 2008 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

Take Washburn as a salary dump and call up IPK

Then release Ponson and send Rasner back to AAA.

Washburn is a move that helps now but also helps next year. He is not an all-star, front of the rotation pitcher, but he is the proverbial “innings eater” which has some value.

Next year’s rotation is uncertain. You’ve got Joba, although with an innings limit of probably 180, plus Wang who’s hopefully at full strength. After that, there are lots of variables: Andy Pettitte probably re-signs, Mike Mussina probably doesn’t. I also expect the Yankees to go after CC Sabatthia pretty hard. Then you’ve got Hughes and IPK as well who need to prove themselves.

With all that uncertainty, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a plan B, plan C, plan D, etc. Washburn gives them a fallback, as does Rasner. I think that deal will inevitably happen.

by 3460kuri on Jul 31, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

IPK 3.0

It’s time. He’s pitching well. He’s ready, and I think he’s a big upgrade over Ponson, Rasner and Washburn.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Jul 31, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Yep

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jul 31, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

This is only 1/2 a story

So, what’s the other half? Byrd is a WHIP upgrade vs Rasner or Ponson. I can’t imagine he’s free. If he’s free, take him. If he costs anyone, call up IPK. In either case DFA Ponson.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Jul 31, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

And if these

Manny to the Dodgers rumors are serious, then the Red Sox are a weaker team for the rest of this season.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jul 31, 2008 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Ponson

There is absolutely no reason why Ponson should continue to get starts for the Yankees. Kennedy is a much better option because he is pitching well at AAA and he is the future. The Yanks need to give him more innings at the major league level, as there is not much more he needs to do at Scranton.
He needs to pitch in the Bronx and stay with the team for the last two months and get him his 10 starts or so. You do not know what you have with him for next season and beyond if he does not have the opportunity to pitch.
Let Kennedy and Rasner go until Hughes is ready to come back and then give Phil a few starts at the end. Better to go with the younger guys now down the stretch.
With last night’s performance and a brutal schedule in August and September, the Yankees are NOT making the playoffs in 2008.

by thejobarules on Aug 1, 2008 8:25 AM EDT reply actions

Don't completely agree ...

I’m not so ready to concede this season, but I couldn’t agree more that it’s time for IPK 3.0. We gain nothing by rolling out Ponson. I like the idea of pursuing Byrd if he’s on the cheap (but I can’t imagine he would). IPK is the way to go. Banishing him to the minors was a good move, now we need to see if the kid learned anything.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Aug 1, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions