TwitterA Second Lefty
17 Dec 2010
Yes, it is too much money, but the Yankees are paying the market rate with the signing of Pedro Feliciano. Jon Heyman reports that it is a two-year deal for $4 million per. I wish I could throw a baseball with my left hand.
In his career, Feliciano has held LHB to rates of .214/.282/.297. Combined with Boone Logan (.190/.286/.215 in 2010) the Yankees have two guys who can shut down lefties in the bullpen. But, their presence will also create a problem.
Assume that the Yankees go with 12 relievers in 2011 and assume the Yankees around 940 innings of work from their starting pitchers. Assuming they have 1,440 innings to cover (AL average), that leaves 500 innings for the bullpen to deliver. With Logan, Feliciano and Rivera, you probably have no more than 200 and that might be generous. That leaves at least 300 innings for the remaining four guys, or 75 each.
Normally, that wouldn’t be a big number, but look at the Yankee totals from last year. Joba pitched 71, and Robertson 61. In 2009 Hughes and Aceves both cracked 80, but Hughes made 7 starts. The point is, Joe Girardi is going to have to adjust his style and use his relievers more or the Yankees are going to have to shuttle guys up and down most of the season. Nothing to worry about right now, but something to keep in mind as the season gets going.
Dec 17, 2010 @ 13:13:45
another terrific analysis Peter (not kidding). Insights into little things like this are what make this site great to read.
I’m off and without computer for about 10 days, taking the clan plus parents on a cruise, cya after Christmas, happy holidays to both you and Andy and all the readers you have.
BL
Dec 17, 2010 @ 14:29:24
Thanks BL. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.
Dec 17, 2010 @ 16:25:42
If they got a horse like Soriano they could get a lot of 7th and 8th inning work out of him. I suppose that if a lefty specialist gets $4 million per year, a top set up/ back up closer has got to get at least twice as much. Pretty crazy economics.
But let’s face it, trades are not possible right now. Everyone is going to treat the yanks as desperate and won’t make a reasonable deal. You’re best off negotiating with free agents and beating all offers fair and square.
Dec 19, 2010 @ 17:48:12
Corey, I tend to agree with you. I bet Cashman’s phone is ringing off the hook with all type of average starting pitchers being offered for blue chip prospects. Still think you cross your fingers on Pettite and bring in a guy like Webb on a 2yr deal w. an option hoping for a lucky break. If you end up with Sabathia, Hughes, Pettite, Burnett and Nova/Webb. I’d be pretty satisified with the offseason.
Dec 20, 2010 @ 12:16:57
Re-signing Pettite would be huge. The Yanks would go into the season as the underdog for a change. But they would still have a very good team that could win if their veterans stay healthy and put together good years.
I’m leery about Webb. He’d cost Ben Sheets money (I think about $11 million for one year) and you could end up a complete washout just like Sheets was in 2010. You’d be better off trading for someone healthy in June or July.