The Need for a Lackey

by jscape2000 on Nov 9, 2009 9:00 AM EST in Analysis Comment 25 comments

More photos » Michael Appleton - AP

"Yes, Lord?"

The focus of last offseason, and of every offseason since Clemens and Pettitte bolted to Houston, has been pitching.

It has always been pitching, it should always be pitching.

So while all the Yankee talk I read and hear revolves around Damon v. Matsui, I'm not really worried about either. I'd make both of them an offer of 1 year $9M. If either or both accept, welcome back, and if not, I would look at Nady or Reed Johnson. And a trade remains a possibility.

But I'm worried about starting pitching. The Rays aren't as formidable as they looked last offseason, but they'll still be very tough. The Red Sox rotation has one more year to give me a headache.

I don't know if Andy will be back. A championship has been his reason for returning each of the last 3 years, and I suspect he's watched Mike Mussina's ride into the sunset and contrasted it with the unenviable final seasons of Smoltz, Glavine, and Rocket.

I expect Joba to be better and to pitch without a lease.

I expect Phil Hughes to begin the innings-building dance Joba performed this season.

I will always be nervous about counting on AJ Burnett; 1 successful season down, 4 to go. I want a solid backup plan, and right now I'm not sure that Sergio Mitre (who has an option that should be exercised) or Al Aceves are sufficient, especially with Hughes and Chamberlain already in the rotation. Wang might be back in August, if the Yankees don't get stupid and forget to offer him a contract.

So I'm looking for a 200 inning starter to replace or augment Andy Pettitte.

The quick answer is John Lackey, who has maintained a 1.2 WHIP and 7K/9 for the last several seasons. He's younger than AJ, and while not a traditional ace, he is a great pitcher. There's not a lot of other (relatively) sure things out there. Rich Harden? Jason Marquis?

Unless Cashman sees an opening in the trade market, or he is sure that Andy is coming back, I think the Yankees need to be in on the bidding for John Lackey.

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Comments

Don't kill me for saying it

I’d sign Pedro for a one year deal on the cheap, and make him a fifth starter / middle reliever. The guy has proven he can confound a team for 6 innings but no more.

by Sgurd0187 on Nov 9, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it.

I don’t really think he would mesh in with the rest of the team or even the fans for that matter.

by Gelatin on Nov 9, 2009 9:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Pedro?

Wow. A 38-year-old pitcher who can throw an 87 mph fastball for 2 or 3 innings on 10 days rest? I’ll take my chances with Gaudin or Mitre first.

by django48 on Nov 9, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True

But did you ever think you’d find yourself rooting for Johnny Damon to get a big hit in the WS?

by Sgurd0187 on Nov 9, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no one ever had a problem with Damon, even on the Red Sox....

He’s like JD Drew or even Pedroia…I’m sure he had plenty of friends on the Yanks.

Pedro is different. Posada probably hates him and I’m sure not too many others are fond of him.

Yes, he’d be a great option for the 5th starter role….but lets worry about Getting Andy signed first.

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 9, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

OUT

REMEMBER HOW HE HIT JEET SARIANO,POSSADA? YEA THAT WOULD BE A GOOD PICK UP?

BIG YANKEE FAN,FROM MASS. HAVE TO PUT UP WIYH ALL THESE HOLE SOX FANS

by JEETS on Nov 9, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ask Posada what he would think

about having to catch him.

Watch Jorge Posada’s “Centerstage” on YES, and you’ll see what he says about that.

by nyyrocks29 on Nov 9, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/pedro_livid_over_posada_diss_YBq0KTMCqbYi27EhrV4vkO

Yeah, I don’t think those two would play nice.

by Wraithpk on Nov 17, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Andy will be back.

by cph on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lackey and Holliday

I agree with your thinking about Lackey even if only to drive up the cost. I would bid on Holliday as well. Offer him 80 million over five years. Don’t let other teams get him on the cheap..

by Jtmc on Nov 9, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Holliday already turned down 6/96 from the Cards

the man has Scott Boras as his agent. No one is getting him on the cheap.

This sticker is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love Fig Newtons.

by Lord Duggan on Nov 9, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take a shot on Harden...

for an incentive laden deal, couldn’t hurt (cuz he will be…). The guy is definitely a AJ Burnet type, someone who has no-hit stuff every night (doesn’t mean its gonna end up that way tho…)

Marquis would be nice, but I think he’s a Met fan….he does come from Shaolin Island you know. I’d still kick the tires.

I’d be fine with offering Lackey and Holliday deals too. Even if they are just “lowball” offers, merely to force a team that would give them what they ask a reason to drive up the cost. But definitely don’t overbid like CC and AJ…there’s really no need.

And F Reed Johnson. Stay away. Also let Nady walk unless they really can’t find a solution for LF.

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 9, 2009 12:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Clan in the Front!

"I'll probably go get lifted right now with Greg. Hey, and come back tomorrow and try to get another win."

-Renaldo

by solanumbrella on Nov 9, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently, Halladay can be had....

for the right price. That would make for a solid 1-3 in the rotation.

The price is definitely going to be steep though, and I agree with ensuring Lackey and Holliday receiving offers from us. At the very very least, it would stretch out the other team’s budgets.

An incentive-laden deal for Harden is great. If he isn’t hurt, he usually puts up “Ace” quality innings. He’s like AJ, but more consistent, and more injury prone. (I don’t know which is better to be honest with you). But the need for long relievers/spot starters are greatly magnified if we sign Harden.

by Vancouverguy on Nov 9, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ben Sheets

Might make sense after a medical exam. Bet management has picked CC’s brain about Sheets.

by Jtmc on Nov 9, 2009 12:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I really would take a chance on harden....

The guy’s stuff is lightning…just always injured….

I say pitch a deal for him and lackey….

I like holliday’s bat A LOT….but doubt we get him

Cc, a.j., wang, lackey, joba?….God I hope wang return back to form…

-Announcemen Forwarded To The Following: Boston Blowsox, New York Pets, Philadelphia Phonies, And Any Other Team Who Ain't The With The Empire.................

Getcha' Fuccin Rings Up........

by NYYWinsRings27 on Nov 9, 2009 1:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

AGREE

I AGREE OFFER DAMON, MATSUI,1 OR 2 YEAR DEALS IF NOT LOOK?HOW IS THE CENTER FEILDER WE HAVE AT AAA?

BIG YANKEE FAN,FROM MASS. HAVE TO PUT UP WIYH ALL THESE HOLE SOX FANS

by JEETS on Nov 9, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

John Lackey

John Lackey would be a terrific addition. He probably would be cheaper than Roy Hallliday and perhaps healthier. Halliday is great but I would be concerned about the probable price in prospects or established young major leaguers. I think Hughes is more likely than Joba to succeed as a starter because he has more quality pitches and is smoother in his delivery. I think Gaudin should be a quality #5 starter if necessary, or otherwise a very fine long reliever with Aceves.

by logiet on Nov 9, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pedro

Pedro has a big heart but I doubt that he can pitch effectively over a season any more. I’m not at all sure that he could put his heart and soul into being a Yankee. Mitre had one excellent start and should get a chance in spring training so long as he stays away from drugs. As for Nady, will he be able to throw after the 2nd surgery on his throwing arm? I still think that Wang has a chance for a comeback — he has the heart.

by logiet on Nov 9, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would trade anyone except Montero

for Felix Hernandez. The guy is young and he is awesome. Put him on a good team (Yankees) and he would be awesome!!

by Mondoas on Nov 9, 2009 4:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think

You sign someone like Livan Hernandez for 2 years. Keep the powder dry to sign Doc Halliday when he is a free agent (or trade young under developed talent like Gardner Hughes Duncan and/or IPK for him). I say let Matsui walk, sign Thome to a 1 year deal. Keep Damon for 2 years until AJAX is everyday ready.

Of course I got flamed on this site in the spring time for suggesting Hughes go to the pen until he has confidence…so what do I know?

by ilBrutto on Nov 9, 2009 6:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

and how is his confidence

Now after his performance in the playoffs……..?

Not very good.

But young guys are expected to make mistakes…… And they’ll never trade Gardner, He is a proven weapon for Girardi. Almost unmatched in center field in all of baseball……

If he can learn to hit better…….

by Gangsta Yanksta on Nov 9, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think you'll see any major changes this off season......

I think the Yankees are content with what they have……. and for now will try to work younger players from the inside. whether you agree or not… want it or not.

This is New York…… not the AL All Star team…… we don’t need every top dollar Allstar player in baseball…. Your just fueling the haters.

by Gangsta Yanksta on Nov 9, 2009 6:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs