Comments on: Inside the spring-training roster: Starters

By: JeterMack Clutch

JeterMack Clutch — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:57:43 +0000

gLove, there is no reason why mussina can’t start 08 like 06, monstrous. I doubt he comes in a 85

assuming everyone stays somewhat healthy… we will probably need in this order: kennedy, karstens, igawa, horne, rasner/wright to back the starters up

By: The Fallen Phoenix

The Fallen Phoenix — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:11:32 +0000

But what’s the difference between a “veteran” mediocre innings eater, like Kevin Millwood, or a young mediocre innings eater like Karstens and Rasner, both of whom also have some upside?

If you’re expecting some innings (oh, let’s say 140) of 4.75-5.00 ERA ball, does it matter whether it’s Kevin Millwood or Jeff Karstens giving it to you?

I think the only way the Yankees trade for a starter at the trade deadline this year is if there’s a slew of injuries akin to last season, or if (God forbid) Wang or Pettitte were to go down for a significant amount of time. Otherwise, the Yankees have 4-5-6 starter options internally that would be no worse (indeed, due to the opportunity cost of trading for an outside starter, marginally better) than outside alternatives.

By: G. Love

G. Love — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:23:18 +0000

I wish I had the same enthusiasm and hope for Mussina that Pete has, but when you lose your fastball and all your pitches are the same speed you’re in deep snit.

If he comes into camp with an 85mph heater like he was sporting last year, his career is pretty much done.

I’m very concerned about the rotation since I don’t love the Karstens/Rasner/Igawa backup plan if someone goes down or the young guys struggle or hit their innings caps early on.

I would love one more veteran starter on the team. With Johan gone and the free agent pickings picked bare, there’s not much to even consider.

I have a feeling at some point we’re going to be forced to trade for a mediocre innings eater 5 ERA type starter before the deadline. Like a Kevin Millwood. Yuck.

By: Skippy

Skippy — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:32:18 +0000

I’m willing to take the chance on looking like an idiot (oh, all right, I always look like an idiot) and will predict a good year for Mussina that helps take some of the pressure off the kids.

By: swo

swo — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:17:29 +0000

1. Scott Patterson is a relief pitcher, not a starter, so that’s why he wasn’t mentioned in this post
2. Horne wasn’t eligible for the Rule 5. He was drafted in 2005, so he still has another year or two before he needs to be protected.

By: jdonohue

jdonohue — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:09:59 +0000

I think that Alan Horne has less than 3 full years of pro experience, so the Yanks do not need to add him to the 40 man roster until next winter. Thus the non-roster invitation. (Pete – did I get that right?)

By: Fred Zeppelin

Fred Zeppelin — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:00:29 +0000

I thought Horne was on the 40-man. Did he not get plucked in the Rule 5 Draft because no other team thought he could stick to their ML Roster?

By: Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster)

Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:50:21 +0000

Thank you Ben. Now I know and knowing’s half the battle.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:37:25 +0000

Fernando, and he is.

By: Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster)

Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:19:06 +0000

What happened to Scott Patterson? I thought he was on the 40 man roster, no?