The Andy Effect
January 26, 2009, 9:56 pmThe Pettitte signing will impact the team in a number of ways:
THE MINORS
1. Chad Jennings looks at the deal’s minor-league repercussions. I think the most notable thing for most fans is that Phil Hughes, barring an injury to A.J. Burnett a starter, will open the season with SWB.
FREE AGENTS
2. After adding Pettitte’s contract, the Yankees are probably done dealing. Pettitte will only make $5.5 million in guaranteed money, but if he reaches incentives he’ll earn another $6.5 million. This effectively eliminates the Yankees from the Ben Sheets sweepstakes (Texas will win that “war”), as they’ll work to cap their payroll.
NADY & SWISH
3. In terms of money, the Pettitte signing makes you think that the Yankees will increase their attempts to move either Nady or Swisher, with Atlanta looking like the most likely suitor. While it may seem that way right now, with Pettitte on board the Yankees don’t have any glaring holes or weaknesses (needs). Therefore, keeping Swisher and Nady (both) could prove to be much more beneficial (for depth, etc.).
JOBA “DEBATE”
4. With more depth now added to the rotation, some will question Joba Chamberlain’s role as a starter. If you’re still one of the few folks who believes Joba should be in the bullpen, here’s another dose of reality for you. Basically, the Joba “debate” is built upon faulty logic and scant reasoning. Let it go, you lost.
That about sums it up. Nice analysis.
Thanks Rob
Well most people focus on the closer, but common sense says if the weak link becomes the set up guy then the closer becomes systemically and methodically less of a factor as the season goes on.. Eliminate 7th and 8th inning breakdowns and you will win 10 pct more of your games over a full year. You will also be the dominating team in the playoffs.
That being said in joba the yanks hold the key in creating a 7 inning game which will turn an otherwise 85 win team to a 95-100 win team.
The set up guy was Joba, somehow he ended up dictating to cashman what his role should be. This is a no brainer. With starters they have landed and hopeful rivera is still is great then the yanks win going away if joba is in the pen.
This is the key to yanks. They will win 3 extra games a month with joba serving as set up guy.
The best setup man in baseball last year was worth 2.3 wins above replacement. Joba as a starter is worth at least 3 or 4 wins above replacement, and that’s only giving him 100 to 150 innings. He becomes even more valuable if you stretch him out to 150 innings this year and in 2010 he can push it to 175 to 200 innings.
No setup man is worth 3 extra games a month, especially in the Yankees pen that already has many, many solid relievers that can more than handle the 8th inning.
The Mets didn’t have a setup man (or closer for that matter) for most of last season. Why didn’t they move Johan to the pen?
^because the diminished speed on his fastball!!!!
Nicely played!