The New York Yankees are always looking to improve their roster at any time of the season, which is one of the major reasons why they have been World Series contenders virtually every single season. Right now, baseball betting fans are eyeing their starting rotation as everyone is wondering what type of response they have – if any – to the Philadelphia Phillies picking up free agent Cliff Lee.
And it’s that exact move that has the Yankees in somewhat of an odd spot. Few times over the last decade has a star free agent decided to spurn them for a team other than the Boston Red Sox or maybe even the Los Angeles Angels. Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and it’s left the Yankees in somewhat of a quandary.
It’s not that the Yankees starting rotation was bad in 2010 but it could definitely use a boost. C.C. Sabathia is the ace and Phil Hughes may serve as the future No. 2, but beyond that, the Yankees are still wondering.
Andy Pettitte was the second man in the rotation in the playoffs and the Yanks would love to have him back. As of now, the 38-year-old isn’t sure whether he’s coming back but rumor has it that he’s leaning towards retirement.
If he does hang up his cleats, that leaves the Yanks with A.J. Burnett, who was 10-15 last season, Sergio Mitre, who is very hit or miss (mostly miss) and righthander Ivan Nova.
The Yankees also missed out on Zack Greinke, although most they maybe weren’t pursuing him so hard. He couldn’t have given the Yanks an answer in the starting rotation but they clearly didn’t want to give up that much.
There will be options at the trade deadline but for now, the Yanks could definitely use a boost to their starting five.
I don't know why the Yankees couldn't sign Cliff Lee, that woyld have made the whole difference this year
Posted by: Ivan | January 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM