The more things change…

By On January 16, 2012 · 8 Comments · In General Musings, Hot Stove

…the more they (should) stay the same.

The Yankees drastically improved their rotation over the weekend. The acquisition of was obviously one focused on the long term; he isn’t a free agent until 2017. Ignoring everyone else for a second, and assuming improvement and development from the third member of the following group, , Pineda, and form a talented trio that could carry the team for the next five years. , on the other hand, gives the Yankees a (relatively) cheap starter who can provide a nice balance of quality and quantity. But since his contract is only one year in length, he demands no sort of long term commitment. I bring this up because over the weekend, a reader emailed the following:

[H]ow do you think these moves affect their chances of landing Hamels or another of the big time pitchers next off-season? Thanks

First off, thanks for reading and submitting the question.

Now, hopefully this means “nothing” for the Yankees’ pursuit of a big ticket free agent this time next year. While the Yankees certainly have their eyes on budget consciousness, is a player for whom you break the bank. He’s left handed. He strikes guys out and doesn’t walk many. He gets grounders. He’s used to pitching in a tough division and a hitter’s park. He’ll be 29 when he hits free agency. Basically, he’s really good and you’ll be buying his prime years.

With Kuroda on only a one year deal, the Yankees will have a spot open in the 2013 rotation, and even with young arms coming up from the farm, Cole Hamels should get the proverbial first crack at that spot. His cost will certainly be high, but he is a talent that is certainly worth the cost. Put very simply, I hope that this has no effect on the Yankees’ pursuit of high-end pitching talent, and I don’t think it will.

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8 Responses to The more things change…

  1. Tom Swift says:
    January 16, 2012 at 10:27 am

    The problem with a big free agent pitcher acquisition next off season is that it may make it impossible to be under the cap in 2014. If that is a goal of the organization, maybe we should be thinking of the Pineda trade as the way they get under the cap in 2014 while staying very competitive.

    Reply
    • T.O. Chris says:
      January 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

      For the right player I think they would blow that plan up. Hamels seems like the kind of pitcher they would do that for, A guy like Marcum not so much. I think the Pineda trade was making a trade for a pitcher you really like. Pineda is a guarantee we don’t have to commit big money to a starter we don’t love, but as Matt said I don’t think it precludes big money for a pitcher they love.

      Reply
    • MJ Recanati says:
      January 16, 2012 at 4:23 pm

      I’m thinking that the Pineda trade was indeed made to avoid having to buy a free agent next winter. If so, I’m even less in favor of the deal than I was when it was announced.

      Reply
      • T.O. Chris says:
        January 16, 2012 at 4:34 pm

        That’s quite a low opinion of Brian Cashman isn’t it? He made a move simply because he didn’t want to spend money on a free agent? Seems a bit silly doesn’t it? Doesn’t it make much more sense that he valued Pineda’s upside and in turn didn’t believe in Montero’s ability to stick behind the plate?

        Reply
  2. Red Stag says:
    January 16, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Besides Kuroda’s 10 mil is there any other $$$ coming off the books after 2012? They will want to shed some salary to sign Hamels, I would think.

    Reply
    • Matt Imbrogno says:
      January 16, 2012 at 12:18 pm

      Swisher, Martin, Rivera, Garcia, Jones, Granderson*, Feliciano* have expiring contracts.

      * = has an option.

      Reply
      • Eric Schultz says:
        January 16, 2012 at 12:58 pm

        I would assume that Martin and Granderson are definitely back in 2013, and likely Swisher as well (unless they sign Cespedes or find some suitable replacement). As for Mo, who knows what he’ll want to do? If he keeps pitching at this high a level it may be hard for him to call it quits.

        Reply
  3. Michael P. says:
    January 17, 2012 at 12:59 am

    Martin and Granderson will most likely be back. I would love to have a future rotation of CC, Pineda, Hamels, Nova, and Banuelos after next years offseason. Trading Betances in a deal with other prospects for a Dominic Brown or Jason Heyword would be a dream scenario.

    Reply

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