Do the New York Yankees have the best rotation in the MLB?

[WaxHeaven]

http://zellspinstripeblog.com/2008/12/14/do-the-new-york-yankees-have-the-best-rotation-in-the-mlb/

The Yankees rotation for 2009 will be:

Sabathia - **** - Burnett - Chamberlain - Pettitte/Hughes

The Yankees have already said they don’t plan on getting Lowe or Sheets now. If they did..that would be insane. Can anyone possibly argue that it’s not the best as of now? You have 3 proven aces, one potential ace, and Andy or Phil as the #5? That sounds pretty damn good to me.

Chicago Cubs: Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Lilly, ?

Tampa Rays: Kazmir, Shields, Garza, Sonnanstine, Price

Red Sox: Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Buchholz

Are those better? I don’t think so. I know some will just instantly say no because they just have blind Yankee hatred. I honestly believe they have the best in baseball. If not, show me one thats better.

————————————————————————————————————–

from rotoworld.com:

Carl Pavano (from the Toronto Sun)

Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said nothing was going on with free agent Carl Pavano, whose agent he met with at the winter meetings.

He didn’t expect anything to happen on that front until much later, if at all. The Red Sox and Marlins are also supposed to be interested in Pavano.

Quite possibly. Enjoy your 71 wins in 2009.

 

[fengzhang]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Burnett's chance of injury over CC or like any random pitcher like Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Dan haren is more likely to happen. same with harden and prior.

What he's trying to say is you never know what can happen. Matt Cain could fall down the stairs and break his arm, you never know. Right now Burnett is healthy.

We're not talking about freak accidents. We're talking about consistent injuries: 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 compared with only two full years 2005, 2008. In the last 6 years, he's played 4 partial seasons and 2 full seasons.

 

[darocker80]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Yet, if you look at the past history of Yankees signings, when has there been a year where there were multiple free agents that played better with the Yankees than they did the previous year? Or even on par with what they did? When the Yankees got various pitchers in trade or free agency (Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Jeff Weaver, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, etc.), they always do worse the following year, much worse. You'd have to go back to Mike Mussina in 2001 to find a pitcher who was as good after coming to the Yankees as he was before.

I miss Mike already . As a mater of fact, I should start the WWMMB Club. We Want Mike Mussina Back.

He wanted to end his career on a high note? I think he has some game leeft in him, i have feeling he'll miss pitching and come out of retirement.

 

[95vr4]

If they pick up Sheets, put Joba and Hughes in the pen, then the rotation would be the toughest to beat.

Their potential is amazing. Could be the most feared rotations in 09

(i really like the cubs too, esp if harden can stay healthy)

I think Giants has better rotation than Cubs if they call up Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson Seriously.

 

[yankeefan812]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Burnett's chance of injury over CC or like any random pitcher like Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Dan haren is more likely to happen. same with harden and prior.

What he's trying to say is you never know what can happen. Matt Cain could fall down the stairs and break his arm, you never know. Right now Burnett is healthy.

We're not talking about freak accidents. We're talking about consistent injuries: 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 compared with only two full years 2005, 2008. In the last 6 years, he's played 4 partial seasons and 2 full seasons.

Well he's healthy right now so IMO it's dumb to say that "o Burnett won't show up this year because of his past and he'll definently be on the DL" Point is you never know. He's healthy right now and that's all that matters.

 

[darocker80]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Burnett's chance of injury over CC or like any random pitcher like Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Dan haren is more likely to happen. same with harden and prior.

What he's trying to say is you never know what can happen. Matt Cain could fall down the stairs and break his arm, you never know. Right now Burnett is healthy.

We're not talking about freak accidents. We're talking about consistent injuries: 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 compared with only two full years 2005, 2008. In the last 6 years, he's played 4 partial seasons and 2 full seasons.

Exactly, you can't say that aj's has the same injury concern as Matt Cain or Mike Pelfrey or some random pitcher with NO injuries before...that's just ridiculous. Especially when that pitcher has been on the DL constantly ala mark prior.

 

[darocker80]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Burnett's chance of injury over CC or like any random pitcher like Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Dan haren is more likely to happen. same with harden and prior.

What he's trying to say is you never know what can happen. Matt Cain could fall down the stairs and break his arm, you never know. Right now Burnett is healthy.

We're not talking about freak accidents. We're talking about consistent injuries: 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 compared with only two full years 2005, 2008. In the last 6 years, he's played 4 partial seasons and 2 full seasons.

Well he's healthy right now so IMO it's dumb to say that "o Burnett won't show up this year because of his past and he'll definently be on the DL" Point is you never know. He's healthy right now and that's all that matters.

True, but he has more concern than other pitchers regardless of his current status. I am not saying he won't be there, as i think he has the potential of a 20 game season if he pitches 30+ starts.

 

[Guest]

Of course they do... its the Yankees.

The best rotation the money can buy, still does not mean there any good though

 

[darocker80]

[quote="P_Manning 18":wo0ke6i2]Of course they do... its the Yankees.

The best rotation the money can buy, still does not mean there any good though[/quote:wo0ke6i2]
The rotation on paper is pretty scary

 

[and JUSTICE for all]

straight up, assuming everyone stays healthy, i still like the cubs more. when harden is healthy, he is among the best in the game. so if we are going to play the "if they dont spend a lot of time on the dl" game, i think the cubs win. that being said, we cant really use that scenario. they are going to be injured...

 

[craiger122003]

I like this one for us
1. chris injured carpenter
2. piniero
3. lohse
4. maybe wellemeyer
5. some guy that the other 31 teams pass on

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i will go bet the farm on ST Louis for 2009






ALL STAR GAME THAT IS :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

[MallCopKJ]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

 

[scotty21690]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett
2. Lester
3. Matsuzaka

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

 

[darocker80]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett < CC <Lincecum
2. Lester > AJ <Zito
3. Matsuzaka < **** < Matt Cain

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

Fixed it for you, but i am serious on the non giants stuff.

 

[scotty21690]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett < CC <Lincecum
2. Lester > AJ <Zito
3. Matsuzaka < **** < Matt Cain

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

Fixed it for you, but i am serious on the non giants stuff.

Beckett is clutch and can pitch extremely well in big games, CC can not (from what I've heard)...thus I'd rather have Beckett

 

[darocker80]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett < CC <Lincecum
2. Lester > AJ <Zito
3. Matsuzaka < **** < Matt Cain

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

Fixed it for you, but i am serious on the non giants stuff.

Beckett is clutch and can pitch extremely well in big games, CC can not (from what I've heard)...thus I wish Tim Lincecum was on the Red Sox

Yeah i know.

 

[pujolsjunkie]

I like this one for us
1. chris injured carpenter
2. piniero
3. lohse
4. maybe wellemeyer
5. some guy that the other 31 teams pass on

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i will go bet the farm on ST Louis for 2009






ALL STAR GAME THAT IS :evil: :evil: :evil:

Um. Wainwright?

 

[scotty21690]

As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett < CC <Lincecum
2. Lester > AJ <Zito
3. Matsuzaka < **** < Matt Cain

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

Fixed it for you, but i am serious on the non giants stuff.

Beckett is clutch and can pitch extremely well in big games, CC can not (from what I've heard)...thus I wish Tim Lincecum was on the Red Sox

Yeah i know.

I'm sure he'd love to be on a playoff contending team!!

 

[darocker80]

[quote="MallCopKJ":3hxkv8g2]As a Red Sox fan, strictly commenting on the rotation on paper and not track record, thats up there with the Cubs as the best I would say. The Red Sox arent far behind either, depends on what happens to guys like Wakefield and Buchholz. I still think the Red Sox have the best 3 in baseball, and they are the guys who I would want in a short series.
Keep in mind AJ Burnett has played 2 injury free seasons in his career, both contract years....

1. Healthy Beckett < CC <Lincecum
2. Lester > AJ <Zito
3. Matsuzaka < **** < Matt Cain

^^^^^
Don't care what anyone says...that can't be topped

Wakefield should pitch decent, Buchholz IMO will have a good year....and Bowden should do very well if he starts. I like it

Fixed it for you, but i am serious on the non giants stuff.

Beckett is clutch and can pitch extremely well in big games, CC can not (from what I've heard)...thus I wish Tim Lincecum was on the Red Sox

Yeah i know.

I'm sure he'd love to be on a playoff contending team!![/quote:3hxkv8g2]
Damn i thought you'd laught and give me another thanks post. well g'night.

 

[fengzhang]

I understand injuries can occur. We are obviously talking on paper as of now. Nobody can predict the future. Injuries can occur to anyone though. Sure...Burnett has had past injuries, but that doesn't mean he won't pitch great like he did last year. Sabathia is overweight, but he has been pretty durable so far. Is it fair to say the whole staff will be injured? Things can happen to anyone. A-Rod could be hit in the eye with a ball..Jeter can break his leg, and Mariano's arm could fall off, but you guys are saying WHAT IF. As of now...all I hear is that these pitchers are healthy. Until they get injured..this talk of injury prone is stupid. Posada was injury free before 2008, but he spent time on the DL for the first time in his career. You never know what might happen.

Burnett's chance of injury over CC or like any random pitcher like Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Dan haren is more likely to happen. same with harden and prior.

What he's trying to say is you never know what can happen. Matt Cain could fall down the stairs and break his arm, you never know. Right now Burnett is healthy.

We're not talking about freak accidents. We're talking about consistent injuries: 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 compared with only two full years 2005, 2008. In the last 6 years, he's played 4 partial seasons and 2 full seasons.

Well he's healthy right now so IMO it's dumb to say that "o Burnett won't show up this year because of his past and he'll definently be on the DL" Point is you never know. He's healthy right now and that's all that matters.

So, how do we know Albert Pujols will hit .300 with 30 HR's next year? Based on past performance. No one can predict the future. The only thing you have to go on is the past track record. There is some degree of luck to injuries but there are also patterns. Some players are more prone to getting injured. Some players never get injured. AJ Burnett's injury history indicates that the Yankees may get around 2-3 full years out of him in this contract. 82 million dollars for 2-3 years of a 12 win, 3.8 ERA pitcher is pretty scary.