No question the biggest priority this offseason for the New York Yankees is starting pitching and this will be addressed in one way shape or form. After their decision not to trade the pieces necessary to obtain Ubalbo Jimenez, they will make sure that they get themselves a legitimate number two starting pitcher to go behind CC Sabathia. Once this decision is made, there will be no doubt that the remaining starters will be slotted behind the two of them, especially in the postseason.
Outside of a trade, the two top options right now are free agents CJ Wilson and Roy Oswalt. And while Wilson will command more as far as years and average annual dollars, the Yankees should have their sights set on Oswalt who is without a doubt the better fit. Wilson will get the better contract, but in this case its not about spending the most money. Oswalt has the track record of being an ace and the only reason he is not being courted like a star free agent (or still with Philadelphia) is his injury and the time he missed at the end of last year. Lets not forget that he was 7-1 in 13 starts after he was acquired from Houston in 2010. He also led the league in WHIP that season. This is a two time 20 game winner with a .631 winning percentage. And he has postseason experience and has pitched well in the playoffs.
Wilson is no joke. He has done a tremendous job since becoming a full time starting pitcher in 2010 and is in the prime of his career. He has built up postseason experience in the last two years, but, particularly this season, has struggled in the playoffs. Even though I don't think he will be a bust, he is due for a contract that will be above the means of what he is worth as a pitcher at this stage of his career. He earned it, and did a great job being the ace of the Rangers' staff last season, but is not a sure thing. Oswalt has a big year or two left on him and the Yankees will thrive with him in their rotation. Plus the pressure would be less on Oswalt than would be on Wilson who would have his contract stamped on his back similar to AJ Burnett. Don't get me wrong, Wilson has been and will be a much better pitcher than AJ Burnett, but I'd put my money on Oswalt to be the bigger acquisition this offseason.
Outside of a trade, the two top options right now are free agents CJ Wilson and Roy Oswalt. And while Wilson will command more as far as years and average annual dollars, the Yankees should have their sights set on Oswalt who is without a doubt the better fit. Wilson will get the better contract, but in this case its not about spending the most money. Oswalt has the track record of being an ace and the only reason he is not being courted like a star free agent (or still with Philadelphia) is his injury and the time he missed at the end of last year. Lets not forget that he was 7-1 in 13 starts after he was acquired from Houston in 2010. He also led the league in WHIP that season. This is a two time 20 game winner with a .631 winning percentage. And he has postseason experience and has pitched well in the playoffs.
Wilson is no joke. He has done a tremendous job since becoming a full time starting pitcher in 2010 and is in the prime of his career. He has built up postseason experience in the last two years, but, particularly this season, has struggled in the playoffs. Even though I don't think he will be a bust, he is due for a contract that will be above the means of what he is worth as a pitcher at this stage of his career. He earned it, and did a great job being the ace of the Rangers' staff last season, but is not a sure thing. Oswalt has a big year or two left on him and the Yankees will thrive with him in their rotation. Plus the pressure would be less on Oswalt than would be on Wilson who would have his contract stamped on his back similar to AJ Burnett. Don't get me wrong, Wilson has been and will be a much better pitcher than AJ Burnett, but I'd put my money on Oswalt to be the bigger acquisition this offseason.
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