Is This The Most Depressing Post Or What?
From today’s LoHud Blog….
“So what should the Yankees do about this rotation problem if Andy Pettitte indeed retires? There’s a lack of depth since the top prospects like Dellin Betances and Manuel Banuelos almost assuredly need more minor-league time. Can the offense compensate? And why would Larry Rothschild be able to make A.J. Burnett consistent when Dave Eiland couldn’t? Questions, questions.
Even if Pettitte does come back, they still need depth in case of potential injuries. But CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, Pettitte, Burnett and Ivan Nova could be wild-card worthy, not that there aren’t questions about most of the group.
If Pettitte doesn’t come back and Sergio Mitre is next in line, they have to make a move. The thing is, the alternatives, possibly Joe Blanton, Freddy Garcia or Jeff Francis, aren’t particularly appealing, either, at least to me. How about to you? The Phillies could move Blanton after investing so much in Cliff Lee. Both Garcia and Francis have had shoulder problems in the past. Anyway, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.”
I’ve decided there’s only one thing to do when contemplating the Yankees’ rotation issues and their possible solutions: bring back Laughing Lady.
Confessions of a She-Fan 
I’m starting to think Brian’s taken up residence in Dick Cheney’s abandoned “undisclosed location” for the duration.
http://paullebowitz.com.previewyoursite.com/blog/?p=124
And I’m starting to think you’re right, Paul. I’m glad if he’s enjoying his holidays with the family, but enough is enough!
Hello Jane, and Paul:
Finally I have a little peace of mind now my boss is vacationing in some “undisclosed location” (better not to know where). I’m glad you’ll be spending some days with friends; it’s always comforting to be surrounded by people we love. I’m starting to worry about having Mitre in the rotation (I feel Aceves is a better pitcher, but with his little accident, who knows). I hope Brian Cashman has a good card to play somewhere, but if Andy decides to retire I’m not sure our rotation will be feared. I hope both of you and the rest of our blogger friends had a wonderful Christmas, and my best wishes for the next year.
Finally I have a little peace of mind now my boss is vacationing in some “undisclosed location” (better not to know where). I’m glad you’ll be spending some days with friends; it’s always comforting to be surrounded by people we love. I’m starting to worry about having Mitre in the rotation (I feel Aceves is a better pitcher, but with his little accident, who knows). I hope Brian Cashman has a good card to play somewhere, but if Andy decides to retire I’m not sure our rotation will be feared. I hope both of you and the rest of our blogger friends had a wonderful Christmas, and my best wishes for the next year.
sorry, this thing posted twice… even the MLB blogs server is on vacation.
the only one i’d give a shot might be Francis. at least he’s a lefty. My guess is that we fans as well as the team are going to have to hold on by our fingernails until a chip falls at the end of June. but you know every year these “best team on paper” predictions rarely pan out..except 2009
Yay. Glad your boss is away, James, and you have more time for yourself! I sure hope Cashman has another card to play – maybe two cards – but I guess we won’t find out for awhile. In the meantime, happy new year to you too.
Your so right about “the best team on paper” thing, Mike. We never know what injuries or slumps will crop up. I’d just rather have the head start by having a rotation that inspires a little more confidence.
I think Francis would be the best fit in my opinion. He’s lefty and relatively young. If he’s healthy he would be a good addition to the rotation. Also, Larry Rothschild is a good pitching coach and will help the rotation immensely…..even AJ Burnett. Finally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Yankees trade for someone like Carlos Zambrano. Just a thought.
Ron
http://strictlycubsbaseball.mlblogs.com/
If Francis is healthy. That’s the issue for me, Ron. I know there are no guarantees with any pitcher, but I’m wary of him. Not wild about Zambrano either. But thanks for stopping by and happy new year.
i love your laughing lady but i am having a hard time laughing. i fear we will be laughed at. i am still checking rather frequently for news of our new great pitcher that we acquire in a trade but nothing yet. i imagine everyone knows how bad we want a pitcher so other teams are demanding the whole farm system.
just a thought, could pettite be delaying his retirement announcement to help the yankees look less desperate for a trade or is he really not totally decided?
the best new year’s gift i can think of is king felix but that’s just dreaming.
barbara
Enjoy your time in LALA Land. Seems fitting given the nature of this post. And you’re right about Garcia’s arm… it’s bound to fall off one of these days!
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
I don’t think there’s an agenda with Pettitte, Barbara. Unless I’m really naive, I just think he wants to retire. Of course he could change his mind, but the Yankees have to assume he’s not coming back. And I’m totally with you on King Felix. I’ll keep dreaming about him until he’s a Yankee!
Just heading back home from LA now, Jeff, after a lot of fun with friends and family. I’m really hoping the freeway traffic won’t be bad. (You remember what a bummer that can be, right?)
Jane,
I have always tried to be one who accents the plus points with a team instead of hashing, thrashing or dumping on a negative that reared its ugly head. Why can’t people focus and celebrate the positives more than to discount or even snicker at a misfortune or unplanned event.
Pitchers get hurt, retire or just fall from grace. Hitters can fall to the same demons and more. But the one saving grace should be to see the light, the flickering speck at the end of the tunnel that boasts your confidence, makes your stride tight and makes you cheer nightly. Anything else is just….fodder for failure.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
You definitely look at the glass as half full, Renegade, and that’s part of your charm.:) And the Yankees do have plenty of positives and bright spots. But there’s a glaring hole or two in the team at the moment and we fans are eager to see them filled.
I think the Yankees have looked into Lowe on and off over the years, braves1, and for some reason never seemed that interested. Besides, I like having Swisher around!
Have heart: the Yankees are one of the few clubs that can afford to take on Derek Lowe’s $15 million-a-year contract, which the Braves would love to unload. Sure, he was NL Pitcher of the Month last September but the Braves have six bona fide starters plus another coming off the DL in late summer and a couple of blue chippers (not Jones) in the high minors. The Yankees have a surplus of outfielders and the Braves would love to get their mitts on Nick Swisher, who could double as the backup to rookie Freddie Freeman at first base when he’s not playing center field every day.