Via Sports Illustrated:
The world champion Yankees have top free-agent pitcher John Lackey on their free-agent shopping list, sources said. The Yankees aren’t expected to be as aggressive this winter on the free market as last offseason and they haven’t firmed up all their plans as yet, but one league source said of Lackey, “He’s definitely on their radar.”
While I believe John Lackey would rather go home to Texas (as mentioned in the article), there is a part of me that wouldn’t mind seeing him come to New York. With the acquisition of him and probable return of Pettitte, all the Yankees would need is Hughes/Joba to fill in as the fifth starter until Chien-Ming Wang returns. Would you welcome the signing of Lackey or would you prefer try Joba or Phil as the fifth starter, again?
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
As much as I like Lackey’s make up I would have to pass. It would be sending the wrong message to the young Yankee arms. Phil Hughes earned a shot at the rotation and should be given a chance. Joba I think showed everyone that he is more suited for the pen than the rotation. Let’s see what Wang and Kennedy have to offer as well before making any moves. I’m sure the Jays will be dangling Halladay in the trade market and I would much rather have him than Lackey even if it means parting with Joba or Hughes but not both.
You almost need a starter like Lackey. I understand that all non-Yankee fans will say its unfair but you can’t trust either Hughes or Joba in the rotation. The only reason they were as good as they were in the bullpen is because they didn’t have to worry about going multiple innings. Both are suited for the pen. Ian Kennedy has shown he can’t pitch at the major league level and Wang isn’t likely to return by the beginning of the season. Roy Halladay and Brandon Webb are going to be available via trade but the Yankees aren’t going to drain their farm system for either starter.
I’m not convinced Wang is coming back–at least, not the Wang we knew in 2006 and 2007. And while Joba had flashes of effectiveness as a starter, Hughes never really has. They’re insurance policies until they prove themselves. I wouldn’t break the bank for Lackey, but if he could be had without going nuts, he’d be a good #3 starter.
First off..Wang wouldn’t start the season in pinstripes…so you can’t slot him in just yet.
As for Pettitte…he may say he wants to return..but he isn’t locked up yet. I want to see his name on the dotted line first.
Right now it goes….
Sabathia-Burnett-?-Hughes- ?
Do we even know for a fact that Chamberlain will be in the rotation? There are so many questions left unanswered as of now. Hard to predict.
The way I see it there is NO way you can count on Wang or Kennedy for anything. On top of that Joba and Hughes can only be counted on to a certain extent.
Andy isn’t any spring chicken so there is no guarantee for an injury free season, and we all know of Burnetts injury riddled past…
I don’t even want to hear about Gaudin being in the rotation either.
I’d love it if we could pass on Lackey and Joba and Hughes stepped up huge but who knows if that will pan out and it could backfire horrendously. It’s a tough call, it really is. If I were Cash Money I’d place a competitive bid for Lackey but I wouldn’t break the bank for him.
For the record I like the chances of Hughes showing some huge improvement as a starter and hes deserving of his spot in the rotation.
You’re a incredibly smart particular person!