Andy Returns
I haven't written about the Yanks much this ST period. I fear the stench of the Montero trade has dampened my enthusiasm for them - at least momentarily. I've loved them all my life, and that won't change. I just haven't felt much like writing about them. Anyway, Andy Pettitte ended his retirement and rejoined the Yankees on Friday. Sentimentally, this is nice. Practically, it's ridiculous. Oh yeah, let's get some more pitching! And getting an old one would be great! The Yanks have gone loco for pitching lately. Partly because their system hasn't produced a consistent starter since Pettitte. Think about that. I think he was a 1991 D and F, he certainly debuted in 1995. That's a long time, and it's not like they haven't had some good raw material, like Hughes and Joba. They just haven't been able to make them into bona fide guys. I have no idea why that is, but they're clearly doing something wrong in either scouting, development or both.
They haven't been good at trading for young starters, either. Weaver and Javy Vazquez (twice) were costly but achieved little in pinstripes. The jury can't be back on Pineda yet, but he cost more than Weaver or Vazquez, and according to Cashman today, showed up 20 pound overweight for ST and is trying to pitch himself into shape now. Campos the other prospect in the Montero trade has looked good against minor leaguers.
So, to cover up a multitude of errors and systemic issues, they keep bringing back Andy. This is round 3. No help for the old, tired offense is anywhere in sight.
posted by Kalel9 @ 5:33 PM
9 Comments:
The Pineda trade was all about having a high-upside starter under team control for five more years as the team tries to cut payroll. Hopefully his lack of fastball speed thus far is just an early spring issue, and he can develop his changeup. All while giving up a player the front office felt had no position, especially with players like Jeter and A-Rod on the roster for the forseeable future.
One thing that will be interesting to follow is the potential long-term deals of Cano and Granderson in light of the magical 189 number. Personally, I would not give Granderson a long-term deal at 32.
Mason Williams got a base hit in his first big league at bat in ST. I hope Cashman doesn't trade him out of the system next time the Yanks perceive they need a pitcher. He may be our future in centerfield.
Mason Williams has to be untouchable if he continues to impress.
Mike, I agree, but with Cashman I don't think the Yanks have untouchable minor league position players. I hope that changes so we don't lose anymore "Monteros".
They had Banuelos and others under control for 6 more years, as well as Montero. It was stupid trade then and it is now. Pineda didn't have the heat of any of these guys coming up, and though I really hope he turns into an ace, he has not shown much interest in doing so. Aces work hard.
The Yankees' willingness to trade Montero several times showed what they thought of him as a catching prospect. The only starter in the minors right now that has me convinced is Banuelos. I bet the Yankees feel the same way, hence the trade for Pineda.
The problem for Montero was the stupid contracts given to A-Rod and Jeter, and the fact that first base is locked up. Both players on the left side of the infield will eventually have to DH.
I think they knuckled under to GIrardi. Previously they had only offered him for real aces. Not for guys who had a hot half. He came up and killed the ball and at the very least should have gotten more. But it was a stupid, stupid trade You don't trade 80/80 hitters for anything.
The only pitchers that I would have considered moving Montero for were Halladay and King Felix. The trade was short sighted and dumb, I agree. I don't want to trade anymore high potential players from the farm like Williams or Sanchez. Let our young pitchers play. They may struggle for a year or two but we need to see what they can give us.
John, the problem with the pitchers you mentioned is that they both would have required long-term deals worth lots of money. Pineda doesn't, as he's under team control for five more seasons.
Phil, what do you mean when you say they knuckled under to Girardi?
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