Will the Yankees be burned by Burnett?
I'm back once again, and I'm going to be analyzing the recent free-agent signings by the Yankees. I'm a little curious about what goes into deciding what a pitcher's worth is and if the the CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett signings will turn out to be good investments. I know Brian Cashman, like several general managers, have detailed stats on when a pitcher might 'bounce' after a big season. That would be the case with Burnett. Did he just begin to realize his potential last year or was it one of those big seasons in a player's 'walk' year? Burnett logged more innings last season than he ever has in his checkered career. I have said many times I wouldn't give a pitcher, or any player for that matter, the kind of long-term contract they gave Sabathia or Burnett unless the player was a Hall-of-Fame candidate. Sabathia could be, but it's doubtful that Burnett will be one. For me, he hasn't pitched nearly enough innings over a period of years to prove he is a 'work horse'. I feel the Yankees shelled out too much money and security for just one breakout year. They've been burned in the past by these types of decisions (see Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright). Andy Pettitte is the only pitcher that might be a part of their rotation who has proven he can be durable and effective over a period of time, and the Yankees want to sign him for a lot less than they have paid him in previous seasons. Until Burnett can prove his long-term durability, I'd rather invest in Pettitte -- more money for one year to see if he can do what he's proven he has done in the past.
The sentiment among baseball fans here in Florida is one of resentment toward the Yankees. I just recently golfed with a former network TV sports executive and a retired investment banker and both were appalled at the amount of money spent on Sabathia and Burnett, especially given the economy today. Both were embarrassed to say they were Yankees fans. They have indicated they hoped these signings would backfire on them. I don't know if they represent the masses or not.
The best job in baseball today is to be an agent. They play the GMs and owners like a violin. They put them in a position to think that if they don't pay the big bucks for their player, another team. I like proven commodities like Pettitte and Jon Lieber, who showed they could pitch in front of hostile crowds on the big stage in New York. But, that's just me. I'd rather pay for someone who's done it, not for someone I hope will do it.
Thanks Kaat I miss ya in the booth. I agree with you totally I would of went with guys like ben sheets(whos still a possibility) and jon garland. I wish CC and Burnett all the luck but I feel their overpaid and have too many years for a pitcher. They should of picked up 2 level B pitchers and went after some offense like Mark Teixiera who in my mind is prob the best all around 1st baseman. And he would fit in perfectly with NY and be our #3 hitter for a long time to come. He fits the mattingly's and tino's even though I like giambi he didnt fit those guys as much as Mark does. But the Yankees have this idea of pitching pitching but I see it as they just dont want to get shown up like with Johan Santana. But if they think they can win with just pitching their wrong they really didnt score last year and yes posada was hurt matsui etc but that doesnt guarentee they wont this year. Signing mark is the way to go it gives the Yankees a solid #3 hitter with outstanding defense and gives you a franchise guy to look up to and to score in those runs with 2 outs and RISP which the Yankees have been failing to do in big spots over the years.
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It makes you wonder how teams evaluate the pitching talent to have considered Burnett one of the top pitchers on the market. Prior to last year his highest wins total for a season was 12 and there have been only 3 seasons where he has pitched 200 innings or more and none of them were back-to-back years. It should be taken into account that the the Marlins and Blue Jays haven't been consistently good teams, but his track record isn't the best. As Yankee fans all we can do is hope he stays healthy and productive for this signing to pay off.
Jim its great to read your articles on the blog and see you're still staying involved while in your retirement. I loved listening and watching you during the Yankee broadcasts.
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Clearly, Kaat’s point about fans being outraged by the Yankees spending is absurd for two reasons:
1) The Yankees are not spending more; they are reallocating expenditures. The Yankees will make more money in 2009 (although not as much as hoped), so what is so wrong about spending approximately the same amount as they did in the previous season?
2) Even if you want to accept the premise that because the economic environment is so dour everyone should sign an austerity pact, do we really need to be taking lectures from a TV sports exec. and an investment banker? The former’s profession is as responsible for the inflation of sports salaries as any, while the latter’s profession has played a fundamental role in the current economic meltdown.
Of course, I am sure both of Kaat’s buddies had no problem collecting their inflated salaries, but now that they have amassed the largess needed to spend your days golfing in Florida, they want to talk about economic obscenity? Are you kidding? What’s next…a thief and an arsonist complaining about the rising cost of homeowner’s insurance?
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Mr. Kaat,
I am writing to let you know that I find your columns very insightful. I learned a great deal about the game from your broadcast of Yankee games. thank you for all you Done over the year. As a fan it is important to understand the impact of quality pitching. It was always my thought that the best position for you and would have been a permanent major-league pitching coach for any organization. I know that you served as pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds for a short time. I think that the Yankee pitching staff in its current state be susceptible injury. I am praying that the Yankees will re-sign Andy and pay him what he needs to come back as long as he wishes.
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Hey Kitty,
You are missed as is Bobby in the booth. I actually remember when you pitched for the Senators. My parents were friends of Clark, Calvin, and Thelma. I was a kid and am now 61. lol. The pressure is on. The complaints are more a show of dissapointment and jealousy. The Yankees had holes they had to fill that couldn't be done from within. The Yankees did so with the best talent available. Any fan that says that is wrong is showing sour grapes. I think Burnett has matured and learned how to pitch as he has said. Any time you sign a pitcher it is a roll of the dice. At least know we don't have to face him. CC is just hitting his prime and should be great in the Pinstripes. With Teixeria we don't have to worry about 1B for 8 years. i see several WS Titles in the near future. Thanks for you contributions to the American pastime.
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Jim, first and foremost, my condolences on the passing of your wife. I did not know her, but if she was anything like you, I am sure she was special.
Like so many Yankee fans, I miss your intelligent comments on the game. When you were on TV, I made sure one of my grandsons, who is a great young baseball player, listened to you very carefully. You taught baseball through your analysis. I am sure, without knowledge, that you left the Yankees under circumstances that were less than perfect. I also imagine you wanted to spend more time with your wife. Is there a chance you will be back on YES, or at least have a show on YES to help kids understand the nuances of baseball through sharing your vast knowledge of the sport? I wish you Health and Happiness this 2009 year. Dr. Tony
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Hi Mr. Kaat--I'm a big fan of yours and I wish you were still in the booth!
I agree wholeheartedly with your point on Burnett. I would rather have paid Pettitte $12M and have a short commitment than all the money and years given to Burnett. This isn't to mention that Burnett blocks a spot the flurry of prospects the Yankees are developing in the minors.
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Speaking for the majority of Yankee fans. We all miss having you in the booth and not only calling play by play but also demostrating to your listeners on how each pitch has a different grip with the pitchers's fingers. Been a Yankee for my entire life and I am hoping that C.C. and A.J can deliver. If not, maybe the Steinbrenners should look at you for the next General Manager's position. I always look forward to hearing you on the air or reading your updates. Hopefully, someday I can actually shake your hand, You are a true American Baseball representative. Take care and God Bless you and your family. By the way, I was saddened to hear that your wife had passed away.
Ladd Jasper
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