Rotation Depth is a Must

Last offseason, we got a complete overhaul of the pitching rotation. After the debacle of the 2004-2008 rotations, it was clear that the Yanks needed some help. So, Brian Cashman took advantage of a strong pitching market and went out and got C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett for the rotation. The two pitched well and brought home the trophy, going on three days rest throughout the postseason. It was a frenzied offseason and only Andy Pettitte ended up making significant contributions in both 2008 and 2009.

Now, coming off a World Series championship and entering a relatively weak free agent market, its clear that this year the rotation is going to remain pretty much the same. Sabathia and Burnett are locked up for the next few years and all that's left to do is to tinker with the back of the rotation.

Everybody in Yankeeland is hoping for one more year from Andy Pettitte. He saw his periphereals decline in 2009 and he's clearly not the ace he once was. However, he's a safe bet to eat up around 200 innings and their's still nobody I trust more in a big game. He's only going to be looking for a one year deal and I doubt it'll be for much more than 10-12 million. Unless he decides he wants to retire and go out on top, he'll back in pinstripes for the 2010 campaign.

Still, that leaves two more rotation spots to fill with a relatively weak free agent class for starting pitchers. If you look at it, its a very underwhelming list. Only John Lackey really catches the eye and he has some serious problems, as well. He's a year on the wrong side of 30, his numbers have been declining since 2005, and he's going to get paid a ton of money this year as the only reliable starter available. I don't think he's going to be all that happy as a 3rd starter either, I don't think the answer to the back-end of the Yankees rotation is going to come from the free agent market.

Its time for the Yankees to start giving all these young pitchers that we've heard so much about a larger role. With such a weak free agent class, it would be wise for them to focus more on depth. They have some cheap, high potential arms that need to be given a big role this season. Already they have Chamberlain, Hughes, and Gaudin under contract for 2010. Wang will also probably be back to compete for a job midseason. Finally, I'd like to see the Yanks go try and get free agent Justin Duscherer. I know about all of his issues, both mental and physical, but the guy can pitch and would have an easy time transitioning to the bullpen if their isn't room for him in the bullpen.

This gives you four high upside guys at the start of Spring Training to try and fill two spots. Duscherer, Gaudin, Joba, and Hughes have all experienced some degree of success in the major leagues and you have to figure that at least two of them will stick in the rotation. All of these guys, with the exception of Gaudin, have also flashed front of the rotation potential at times and could break out in a big way for the Yanks. For the guys that don't crack the rotation, its an easy move out to the bullpen where all four of them have been effective. Midway through the season, you throw the Yankees former ace, Wang, back into the mix and you have IPK and Zack McAllister waiting for the call in Scranton.

Its not the big flashy multi-million dollar signing the Yankees usually make this time of year. I really just don't see John Lackey as being worth A.J. or C.C. money though. The solution to the problem is easy, stock up on young, high upside guys and a couple of them will pan out. They wouldn't be nearly as vulnerable to a big injury as they have been in recent years. Its also a cheap solution that could help them deal with any trouble they may have bringing back Damon or Matsui. Having a lot of depth at the back of the rotation is the key to their 2010 pitching.