So how about that $47 million investment, Cashman? It was looking all bright and cheery on Saturday, when he appeared in an emergency situation and ended a losing streak. Last night, though was just a reminder that Blower-san* is going to have plenty of outings like this if you keep allowing him to start games. True, there aren’t many alternatives. But there has to be something better than this.
It’s pretty obvious that Igawa won’t succeed in the bigs given his stuff and current approach. His stuff ain’t gettin’ any better, so the only thing he can work on is his approach. Wouldn’t Scranton be a better place to hone that skill? Yeah, you can work on it in the majors, but you’re going to be killing your team every fifth day in the process.
Unfortunately, there are roster issues standing in the way. I would hope Darrell Raner’s start on Sunday is his audition for a second chance. If he throws well — and I’m not talking about results, I’m talking about throwing strikes and getting ahead of hitters — Igawa could then be sent down on Monday to make room for DeSalvo. But, if Rasner flops, it would appear that the Yanks are still stuck with Igawa.
There is, however, an alternative. But it would involve juggling a few spots on the active and 40-man rosters. If Rasner doesn’t look good, you send him down for DeSalvo on Monday. So the rotation looks like this:
Monday – DeSalvo
Tuesday – Pettitte
Wednesday – Mussina
Thursday – Wang
Friday –
There is simply no reason to plug in Igawa there, especially considering that Seattle will be the opponent once again. As I said, if Rasner is good or even okay on Sunday, he could get the nod. If not, why not Tyler Clippard?
Yes, it would be the Yanks 11th starting pitcher of the year, but that wouldn’t bother me much. As long as they’re not retreads like Ponson, I have no problem with it. There is, of course, the issue of the 40-man roster, which is getting cramped. I’m not sure what move they’ll make to get DeSalvo on there, but there are a few options, another of which could be used for Clippard:
- DFA Jeff Kennard
- DFA Colter Bean (though I’ve heard they’re saving his spot in case of Rocket)
- Move Karstens to the 60-day DL (that would put him at a June 30 earliest activation date, and it’s doubtful he’d be back before then)
- Move Humberto Sanchez to the 60-day DL (they may have already done this)
- Move Jose Veras to the 60-day DL (retroactive; even if he’s ready before that, it’s not like he’s an integral piece to the puzzle)
- Trade Luis Vizcaino for a guy who wouldn’t have to be placed on the 40-man roster. A fungo bat would do the trick.
- DFA Doug Mientkiewicz (every time you want to shed yourself of him, he hits a homer; this won’t happen, but it is an option nonetheless)
- DFA Wil Nieves (Raul Chavez is on the 40-man, and can’t be any worse)
As you can see, there’s a lot of dead weight on the 40-man, so clearing room for Clippard shouldn’t be a problem. Of course, once you put him on you can’t take him off, so you paint yourself into a corner a little. But look around the Yankees minor league landscape: is there anyone absent from the 40-man that you think could get a call-up this year? That’s very, very doubtful.
Does anyone think that Igawa should pitch next Friday? If so, please present your case in the comments.
On a final note, I’d like to thank Mike Myers for his excellent work in mop-up duty. He performs that job much better than the one he’s paid to do (get out tough lefties). And while we all certainly appreciate the innings, it furthers the case for his release. Not now, but hopefully in a few weeks. A team like the Yankees shouldn’t need a mop-up man — or at least not need one on a frequent enough basis to warrant a roster spot.
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