MLB Free Agents 2012: Yankees, Freddy Garcia Deal a Sign of Nothing to Come?
November 24, 2011 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees will re-sign journeyman Freddy Garcia to a one-year deal that will keep him in pinstripes for the 2012 season. It is the first move for GM Brian Cashman in regards to the Yanks’ starting rotation, but does that mean they are one and done?
Last season, the Bombers had a quiet offseason with their rotation which was bailed out by Garcia and Bartolo Colon both having impressive seasons.
Colon ended up fading out towards the end of the season, while Garcia made a playoff start for the Yankees which was unthinkable at the start of 2011.
Let’s face it: The Yankees were extremely lucky to get what they got out of Colon and Garcia but they can’t hope for that same luck two years in a row.
As it stands now, the Yankees have a five-man rotation in place with the guys already signed:
1. CC Sabathia
2. Ivan Nova
3. Phil Hughes
4. A.J. Burnett
5. Freddy Garcia
Anyway you slice it, that rotation I listed above will not get it done.
I have to believe that Cashman is still working on bringing in a free-agent starter, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that the Yankees don’t make a move to sign anyone.
It was reported during this offseason that C.J. Wilson, the top pitcher of this year’s free-agent market, is looking for about $20 million per year which would be too much money for the former Texas Rangers ace.
The ridiculous price to pay for Wilson may be a sign of the times in the free-agent market and agents might be trying to hold up the Yankee GM for a ton of money that these players don’t deserve.
That should instantly drive the Yankees out of the market.
The Bombers won’t get caught overpaying for a long-term deal if they don’t feel the guys are worth it. With little starting pitching available, the pitchers that are available will try and garner more. Some teams will pay it, but I think Cashman has learned his lesson getting stuck with Burnett.
I think Garcia was a move to ensure the Yankees would be able to round out their rotation for 2012, in the event no reasonable deal is available, which I don’t think there is.
It’s a smart move by Cash and the Yanks front office because they can’t spend extra money out of desperation especially when they are loaded with top prospects that could be used to bring in a better caliber of pitcher during the regular season.
So don’t be surprised or discouraged if the Yanks do nothing. In this instance, this may be one of the few years that if the Yankees do nothing in the free-agent market, it’s actually a good thing.
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