Our friends to the south made a pretty big splash in the free agency pool yesterday offering free agent CC Sabathia a seven year $161 million contract. They’ve worked out a preliminary deal with Sabathia but apparently aren’t done there as the rumor mill is still churning along.
The latest out of Vegas has the Yankees pushing for AJ Burnett (who I said yesterday would be a Brave) and Derek Lowe. This is in addition to the two year $30 million offer they’ve allegedly put on the table for Ben Sheets. So let’s break this down. They’re losing Mike Mussina to retirement, Andy Pettite possibly to the same and still have their young guns. I’m not saying I’m scared or anything, but this is pretty impressive; in theory.
CC Sabathia: Good signing if he stays healthy. Remember Bartolo Colon? Yeah, he basically got too fat to stay in baseball. CC could easily follow suit which I guess is why the Yankees added a clause into the contract with an opt out after three years.
AJ Burnett: Keeping with the two initial first name pitchers the Yankees have supposedly upped the ante with AJ and made him a five year offer. All well and good again if he can stay healthy. This guy hasn’t really been the epitome of health. After signing with the Blue Jays he proceeded to go on the DL. The following year, more of the same. In fact until last year he hadn’t pitched a whole, injury free season season since 2005.
Derek Lowe: Not cool. Look, you were a staple for the Sox post season. Everyone remembers the crotch chop against the A’s. You flew back for your 2004 ring and were given a great ovation. Spending the last few seasons in LA, you’ve been a horse. Not a great pitcher, but a good #3 or #4 guy that will eat innings. Now you’re going to sign with the Yankees? Say it ain’t so, Lowe. Sign with the Phillies or the Mets if the money is close. Don’t alienate Sox fans.
See the thing that makes the Red Sox good is that they integrate the young guns in with the veterans. They give a shot to guys like Lester, Buchholz, and Justin Masterson shots on the big league roster instead of bringing in retreads and/or tired arms. How are guys like Hughes and Kennedy going to get going if they bring in all these veteran arms? Exactly.
Back tomorrow with a Pats/Raiders preview.
