The Prodigal Son Returns to the Bronx!
Hiya Kiddies!
Missed all of you this past week or so.
In November, I wrote that the Yankees should move on without Andy Pettitte, pointing out the group of MLB ready arms they have to sort out for the #5 slot in their rotation (Phil Hughes, Alfredo Alceves, Phil Coke, Ian Kennedy) and limited space to find those needed innings if another veteran arm is signed.
On December 11, I posted on my Facebook Wall, an incentive laden contract idea that attempted to bridge the gap between the two, who OBVIOUSLY wanted to continue the relationship.
Today, we get the news that Andy HAS signed such a contract, for a $5.5M base and easily achievable incentives based upon Innings Pitched and Days on the Roster if he remains healthy and effective.
This is a good day for the Yankees, who have essentially the same low-risk deal with Andy that the Sox have with the man he defeated in the legendary Game Five of the 1996 World Series, John Smoltz. The hero of that game, besides Andy and his 8 Shutout innings, being Prince Fielder's daddy, Cecil, who had 3 of the 4 hits and only RBI surrendered by the brilliant Smoltz. The next game, #6, featured a heroic 3B by Andy's Manager, Joe Girardi. The guy from Deer Park, Texas and the man from Chicago are BOTH Yankee family and it's exciting to know they will be able to make new memories in the new yard in the Bronx.
ON the field, the contrast of Pettitte's LH cutters and finesse approach should mark a stylistic contrast for New York, the way Tim Wakefield's floaters do for the Red Sox. With RH fire from AJ Burnett and Joba Chamberlain, Mid '90s RH sinkers from Chien-Ming Wang and LH Gas from CC Sabathia, Andy's 89 MPH cutters and wicked sweeping curve should find the success it usually has. Also, facing #5 starters, instead of the #1 and #2's he's been facing all his career can only help him be more competitive.
Nice job by Brian and Andy, putting egos aside and pens to work.
As for the young Yankee arms displaced by the move. There is still a role and still plenty of time for the 22 year old Hughes, 23 year old Kennedy and 25 year old Alceves and 26 year old Phil Coke, who, with his 96 MPH LH heat will fit beautifully back in the bullpen, where he made such a brilliant debut in September. AJ has had health issues more often than not and Joba wants to avoid piling on too many innings this season, the kids will get starts and the Yankees get variety and depth.
Nice.
Only the Nady/Swisher potential trades and the subsequent specter of Manny lurk as unfinished business before Spring Training. Melky and Gardner will fight it out for CF and 5th OF and Cody Ransom and former (2003) AL Rookie of the Year, Angel Berroa will compete for the utility Infield role, behind Alex, Derek and Robinson.
Guru likes it.
A lot!
In November, I wrote that the Yankees should move on without Andy Pettitte, pointing out the group of MLB ready arms they have to sort out for the #5 slot in their rotation (Phil Hughes, Alfredo Alceves, Phil Coke, Ian Kennedy) and limited space to find those needed innings if another veteran arm is signed.
On December 11, I posted on my Facebook Wall, an incentive laden contract idea that attempted to bridge the gap between the two, who OBVIOUSLY wanted to continue the relationship.
Today, we get the news that Andy HAS signed such a contract, for a $5.5M base and easily achievable incentives based upon Innings Pitched and Days on the Roster if he remains healthy and effective.
This is a good day for the Yankees, who have essentially the same low-risk deal with Andy that the Sox have with the man he defeated in the legendary Game Five of the 1996 World Series, John Smoltz. The hero of that game, besides Andy and his 8 Shutout innings, being Prince Fielder's daddy, Cecil, who had 3 of the 4 hits and only RBI surrendered by the brilliant Smoltz. The next game, #6, featured a heroic 3B by Andy's Manager, Joe Girardi. The guy from Deer Park, Texas and the man from Chicago are BOTH Yankee family and it's exciting to know they will be able to make new memories in the new yard in the Bronx.
ON the field, the contrast of Pettitte's LH cutters and finesse approach should mark a stylistic contrast for New York, the way Tim Wakefield's floaters do for the Red Sox. With RH fire from AJ Burnett and Joba Chamberlain, Mid '90s RH sinkers from Chien-Ming Wang and LH Gas from CC Sabathia, Andy's 89 MPH cutters and wicked sweeping curve should find the success it usually has. Also, facing #5 starters, instead of the #1 and #2's he's been facing all his career can only help him be more competitive.
Nice job by Brian and Andy, putting egos aside and pens to work.
As for the young Yankee arms displaced by the move. There is still a role and still plenty of time for the 22 year old Hughes, 23 year old Kennedy and 25 year old Alceves and 26 year old Phil Coke, who, with his 96 MPH LH heat will fit beautifully back in the bullpen, where he made such a brilliant debut in September. AJ has had health issues more often than not and Joba wants to avoid piling on too many innings this season, the kids will get starts and the Yankees get variety and depth.
Nice.
Only the Nady/Swisher potential trades and the subsequent specter of Manny lurk as unfinished business before Spring Training. Melky and Gardner will fight it out for CF and 5th OF and Cody Ransom and former (2003) AL Rookie of the Year, Angel Berroa will compete for the utility Infield role, behind Alex, Derek and Robinson.
Guru likes it.
A lot!