Yankees Rumors: Reviewing New York’s Options

Since they re-signed ace C.C. Sabathia three days after the end of the 2011 season, the New York Yankees have seemingly gone into hibernation mode.  The Yankees have made no other moves of note this winter, and they sit with basically the same rotation that caused fans in the Bronx angst for much of the year.  While nothing appears to be on the horizon transaction-wise for the Yankees, Ken Davidoff of Newsday.com offered several different ideas on how New York could bolster its staff before the winter ends.

Davidoff provided readers six suggestions with different titles depicting their potential level of impact; grandiose, aggressive, old-school, stopgaps, same time next year and a new lottery ticket.

For his grandiose plan, Davidoff suggested the Yankees call Seattle and nail out a deal for young ace Felix Hernandez.  To acquire such a high-profile pitcher, Davidoff said Brain Cashman should tell Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik that he can “have anyone of the Yankees roster with a year or less” of major league service time.

While his next plan was titled aggressive, a step down from grandiose, it would also greatly impact the outlook of the Yankees 2012 rotation.  Davidoff says, aside from King Felix, the Yankees could look to acquire Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza.  The 28-year-old has showcased an ability to pitch in the American League East, and Davidoff would be willing to deal one of Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos to bring in Garza.

Davidoff goes on to say the Yankees could revert back to their previous ways, going old-school and simply throwing money at their rotation problem.  Free agent and Scott Boras client Edwin Jackson would be at the end of this decision.

Instead of bringing in Jackson on a multi-year deal, Davidoff says the Yankees could look to sign a veteran stopgap to a one-year deal.  There are several players out there that would fit this mold, and Davidoff names Hiroki Kuroda and Roy Oswalt.

Next, Davidoff says the Yankees could go with a blast from the not-so-distant past by signing Bartolo Colon.

Finally, if the Yankees don’t want to recycle Colon in 2012, they could look to another pitcher that would equal, in Davidoff’s words, “a new lottery ticket”.  New York’s options would include Rich Harden, Jeff Francis or even Jamie Moyer.

For more on the Yankees, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard.