Yankees Trade Speculation: Why Jeremy Guthrie Is the Perfect Waiver Target
August 29, 2012 · Brian Buckley · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Over the next three weeks, the New York Yankees will face a schedule largely made up of American League East opponents. With a slim lead in the standings and division opponents lined up ahead of them, it goes without saying that these next few weeks are of maximum importance to the Yanks.
But, are the Yankees fully equipped for the home stretch? Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Lowe and Casey McGehee have been valuable additions, but none of those players addresses the most immediate need: starting pitching.
While the Yankees await the return of a hopefully healthy Andy Pettitte, at this time, they have one consistent starter in Hiroki Kuroda. Sabathia looked good in his first start off his second DL stint, but that’s no sure thing. At the same time, the rest of the rotation consists of question marks in the forms of Phelps, Hughes and Nova.
With the days dwindling down for waiver wire pickups, the Bombers should try to inquire about right-hander Jeremy Guthrie from the Kansas City Royals.
His career record is anything but appealing at 52-77 with a 4.36 ERA. Even less appealing is Guthrie’s 5-12 record and hideous 5.71 ERA this season. But (and it’s a very big “but”), maybe the 33-year-old could work out for the next month.
Since joining Kansas City from Colorado on July 20, Guthrie has managed to go 2-3 in seven starts. Four of those seven starts ended in wins for the Royals. Guthrie’s two personal wins came from a combined 15 innings of shutout ball against the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics.
Not too shabby.
After this year, Guthrie becomes a free agent, so the Yankees won’t have to make any real commitment to him. At the same time, this could prove to be more motivation for the Royals to possibly make a move.
Perhaps the Royals might want a low-level prospect for Guthrie, who will probably walk at the end of the season. Perhaps the Yankees can be the team to help them out.
No one is saying Jeremy Guthrie is the cure for the Yankees’ erratic pitching. In fact, if someone did say that they should probably have their head examined. But, for both teams’ wants and needs, a friendly phone call should at least be placed.
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