So, first topic. The Yankees, as you might know, have about 340 different starting pitchers. Now, I could talk about why they have them. I could talk about why they shouldn't be able to get so many. Both make intersting topics, but I won't go into them tonight. Why, because I don't think I have too much original thought to put into it. And, instead of repeating word for word the espn.com article I read earlier today, perhaps I'll just link to it. If you don't actually want to go there, it basically says that the first four starters are going to be Mussina, Pettitte, Clemens, and Wells. Then, it says that Weaver will must likely get the final spot, which means that they paid 32 million for four years to Jose Contreras to be a relief pitcher. Now, I could critize the Yankees for intentionally buying a pitcher just so the Red Sox don't get him, but, just by mentioning it I think I've already critized the Yankees. So, I'll make a suggestion about what they should do about them. Go with a 6 man rotation? I mean, why not? At least in the begining, it will allow us to see which pitchers are doing the best. Is Weaver really the next big pitcher? Is Contreras as good as scouts claim he is? Is Clemens/Wells too old? Now, thats not all. I would be worried about the health of Clemens, Wells, and Pettitte if I were Joe Torre. In fact, I think the fact that they have three shaky starters is why they signed Contreras in the first place. But a six man rotation will allow them to get an extra days worth of rest between starts. Of course, we could see a trade tomorrow, but if the season were to start now, thats what I'd do.
Well, on to other subjects. Namely, the Texas Rangers. Now, they have a future hall of famer 1st baseman just getting off of what was perhaps his best year (it must be the Viagra), they've got one of the best players in the game as their shortstop, and they've got a lot of other great offensive players (Everett, Gonzalez). So, with a team this good, why will they do poorly again? The reason is obvious, they have no pitching. Chan Ho Park didn't deliver last year, and it looks like they might not even get Kenny Rogers back. They simply don't have a pitching staff that can compete on a major league level. So my question is this: why not trade for one? They've got a great farm system, with some of the top prospects in all of baseball. So why not trade somebody to get some help with the rotation. Seems obvious to me. Maybe there just isn't anybody out there with a good enough pitcher who the Rangers who a team is willing to trade. But, if the Rangers want to spend $100 million a year for nightly home-run derby's at The Ballpark in Arlington, go ahead. But if they want to compete, they need to find a way to get good pitchers.
