Yesterday at Osceola County Stadium against the Astros, the Yankees got a look at Brett Myers, a 30-year-old right-hander who may not be what he was five years ago but has experience and is a strong candidate to be shopped by the Astros, who need players.He was very good last year, there's no doubt about that. But it came after a career of mediocrity, and you know my opinion about NL pitchers coming to the AL... And yes, a career 4.20 ERA while pitching exclusively in the NL is mediocre.
Myers isn't as sexy as Felix Hernandez, Josh Johnson, Francisco Liriano, Chris Carpenter, Carlos Zambrano or Fausto Carmona. Yet, he is 87-71 with a 4.20 career ERA in nine seasons and was 14-8 with a 3.14 ERA a year ago in his first season with the Astros.
And since his two-year, $23 million contract ($11 million this year) expires after this season (there is a $13 million club option with a $3 million buyout), Myers wouldn't be clogging the lane for the possibility that Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances are ready to pitch in the big leagues in 2012.
The consensus in the Yankees' clubhouse following a wind-blown, 10-8 victory was that Myers "knows how to pitch." His fastball was clocked at 90 to 91 mph and he gave up two runs and five hits in three innings in his second spring start.
The velocity is expected to increase and Myers has spent the first two starts working on command of curveballs and changeups.
"You haven't heard his name mentioned yet, but they need players and if they fall out of it I would assume they would listen on everybody," an National League talent evaluator said yesterday of the Astros.
What are your thoughts on Myers?