06/20: Additions and Changes
Posted by: Steve
Since it was brought up, I figured I'd throw this one out there
I think almost everyone agrees that the Yankees are going to need an additional arm.
I think there is only one name that hasn’t been mentioned but has the potential to be the so called difference maker: John Smoltz.
I know there have been rumors about Tim Hudson but I think Smoltz is the guy we should be talking about. I qualify it because I believe he could be had on the cheap. He is making 11 million this year, and has an incentive that gives him $100K per start. The Braves have a 8 million dollar option on him next year, which is relatively cheap, but for a guy about to be forty and team that needs some rebuilding, they may be interested in moving him. Braves salary info.
I also realize that he may return to the Braves right after this year. But I doubt there is any guy out there who could give the Yankees exactly what they need and fit in perfectly. He is experienced with the postseason, big spots, and high pressure situations. He is an older guy with an expiring contract and from a team that is always looking to save money. Additionally Schurholtz has always been reasonable about making deals, and won't try and hold anybody over a barrel. I think with a package led by Duncan and some other high end low A ball guys may be enough to get Smoltz.
Now I haven’t heard anything so I can really cite any sources, but more than Willis or Schmidt or any of the guys that have been thrown around, I think this man would be perfect. It would compliment the team perfectly, I think Chacon could move into the bullpen, which might be a good fit at this point and Wright could remain as a meaningless number 5.
I also wanted to comment on the reason I think Smoltz is better than the other names floated:
Dontrelle Willis: I agree he is young and has looked sharp in past years. But his postseason record, while limited, has been spotty. Additionally we have also seen the transition of National League pitchers to the American League. He may be able to do it, but is he worth the level of prospects they might want in return. Which would definitely include Hughes, but may require Cano or Cabrera on top of that.
Jason Schmidt: Again. older and transitioning. Plus he has had some injuries in the past couple of seasons. he also is older and would require a hefty package. And who knows if the Giants really want to deal him.
Livan Hernandez: He may be interesting down the road but the price that Bowden may want would preclude any serious looks. he may also have issues in NY and the american league.
Barry Zito: Not worth it, especially considering he is a free agent and Billy Beane will look for everything.
I realize Smoltz is also a career national league guy, but he just seems like he could make the transition. Realistically his numbers may be inflated (considering the ballpark he pitches in) but I think he is a guy you can trust in a big spot. Which is something the yankees need to evaluate every time they add a palyer (see Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, Jeff Weaver, etc...).
I also think that if the Yankees are so resistant to trading Hughes they should contemplate calling him up [they also have Steven White who is in AAA now and pitching pretty well]. If they can bring Hughes up into a scenario where he can build confidence, there is no better way to determine his actual value to the franchise. When I say the right scenario I mean the complete opposite that Cabrera came up in [not Boston, not Fenway]. Baby him with some softer lineups and see what happens.
I think almost everyone agrees that the Yankees are going to need an additional arm.
I think there is only one name that hasn’t been mentioned but has the potential to be the so called difference maker: John Smoltz.
I know there have been rumors about Tim Hudson but I think Smoltz is the guy we should be talking about. I qualify it because I believe he could be had on the cheap. He is making 11 million this year, and has an incentive that gives him $100K per start. The Braves have a 8 million dollar option on him next year, which is relatively cheap, but for a guy about to be forty and team that needs some rebuilding, they may be interested in moving him. Braves salary info.
I also realize that he may return to the Braves right after this year. But I doubt there is any guy out there who could give the Yankees exactly what they need and fit in perfectly. He is experienced with the postseason, big spots, and high pressure situations. He is an older guy with an expiring contract and from a team that is always looking to save money. Additionally Schurholtz has always been reasonable about making deals, and won't try and hold anybody over a barrel. I think with a package led by Duncan and some other high end low A ball guys may be enough to get Smoltz.
Now I haven’t heard anything so I can really cite any sources, but more than Willis or Schmidt or any of the guys that have been thrown around, I think this man would be perfect. It would compliment the team perfectly, I think Chacon could move into the bullpen, which might be a good fit at this point and Wright could remain as a meaningless number 5.
I also wanted to comment on the reason I think Smoltz is better than the other names floated:
Dontrelle Willis: I agree he is young and has looked sharp in past years. But his postseason record, while limited, has been spotty. Additionally we have also seen the transition of National League pitchers to the American League. He may be able to do it, but is he worth the level of prospects they might want in return. Which would definitely include Hughes, but may require Cano or Cabrera on top of that.
Jason Schmidt: Again. older and transitioning. Plus he has had some injuries in the past couple of seasons. he also is older and would require a hefty package. And who knows if the Giants really want to deal him.
Livan Hernandez: He may be interesting down the road but the price that Bowden may want would preclude any serious looks. he may also have issues in NY and the american league.
Barry Zito: Not worth it, especially considering he is a free agent and Billy Beane will look for everything.
I realize Smoltz is also a career national league guy, but he just seems like he could make the transition. Realistically his numbers may be inflated (considering the ballpark he pitches in) but I think he is a guy you can trust in a big spot. Which is something the yankees need to evaluate every time they add a palyer (see Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, Jeff Weaver, etc...).
I also think that if the Yankees are so resistant to trading Hughes they should contemplate calling him up [they also have Steven White who is in AAA now and pitching pretty well]. If they can bring Hughes up into a scenario where he can build confidence, there is no better way to determine his actual value to the franchise. When I say the right scenario I mean the complete opposite that Cabrera came up in [not Boston, not Fenway]. Baby him with some softer lineups and see what happens.
Jason wrote:
Beane/Zito, I couldn't agree with you more. Cashman is of course highly competent but dealing with Billy Beane makes me uncomfortable.