Not Bad
So Pettitte is back for a base of $5.5 million and a possible $6.5 million in bonuses. I looked all over, but the best I could do was find that $4.5 million of that is based on innings and $2 million on days on the active roster.
The deal evokes a couple of reactions from me. First, bringing Andy back really helps the rotation. Now the Yankees have the depth needed to survive an 162-game season and we won't have to suffer through a bunch of scrubs making spot starts like last year.
One concern I have is that this signing will restart the Joba to the bullpen chants. I hope the Yankees don't fall for that line of thinking.
Another concern I have is how this will impact Phil Hughes. Will the Yankees use him out of the bullpen or is he destined for AAA? I would prefer he sticks in AAA and continues to develop as a starter.
Who gets dropped from the 40-man as a result of this move? Maybe Giese or Chase Wright? I have no idea.
Lastly, if Pettitte stinks and the Yankees bench him thereby preventing him from achieving his incentives, will he be able to handle that?
Enough with the negative, a rotation of Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Pettitte and Joba has to be one of the best in the league. Now, a real backup catcher and I will be absolutely content. (At least for a few minutes)
Comments
What I'm reading is that Andy is the number 4 starter with Joba number 5 - which means that they have much more flexibility with him (Joba) as far as innings counts go. I don't see Joba in the bullpen, at least I hope he's not there as that just creates bad pitching habits.
One (or more) of the rotation is going to be on the DL at some point this season - and that's when Hughes appears from AAA.
We'll see - but at least we have another decent arm throwing for us. Who knows? Maybe Andy can put it together the same way that Moose did and have a great year in the new stadium.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 27, 2009 07:34 AM
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And here's a link to Pete Abraham's blog with the AP details about Andy's contract. Hope I'm allowed to do this?
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 27, 2009 07:40 AM
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Hughes has simply not performed and should have no expectation of any slot on the major league team. He starts the season in AAA and works on his game. He'll move up to the big club when there are injuries.
Posted by: Corey | January 27, 2009 10:19 AM |