If Rasner Fails, Who Will the Yanks Call On?

Nobody has really asked this question yet, probably because we’re all scared and maybe even well aware of the answer. If Darrell Rasner cannot translate his recent Triple-A success to the Majors, the Yankees will likely call on the beloved Kei Igawa to hold the fort until Phil Hughes can return (and be effective).

However, does anyone truly believe that Hank Steinbrenner will allow such a call-up? I know he’s not necessarily in charge of the day to day baseball operations and that Brian Cashman will want to try Igawa out in order to collect a bit on his investment. Nevertheless, it just doesn’t seem like something the Yankees would stick with because of Igawa’s history (all of this is dependent upon Rasner’s performance, of course).

If Rasner fails and if the Yanks call up Igawa and he fails, I don’t think the Yankees will automatically move Joba Chamberlain in the rotation or call up another prospect. I think they would actually try trading for someone and one of the bigger names that could possibly get dealt is Kevin Millwood of the Texas Rangers. Millwood is a decent pitcher that hasn’t faired well in Texas (they’re collectively bad), however, he’s solid enough to serve as a stopgap, although his contract, while cheap in Yankeeland, would become burdensome when the Yanks try to infuse youth, later on. Millwood is also an unknown unknown with a 5.54 ERA at Yankee Stadium.

Of course, this is just random speculation that depends on performances (Rasner, or even Igawa) that haven’t even happened yet, but it is a thought. If Rasner can give the Yankees a handful of quality starts then maybe the Yankees can ship him down and move Joba into the rotation (which has always been the plan for Joba anyway). This would make a trade entirely unnecessary, but Millwood could become available if the Rangers keep playing poorly and if the Yankees need help, he could certainly get a look or two.