When the Yankees began their offseason plan, they probably didn’t think it would be this difficult to land starting pitching after making it a priority.
They were turned down by Cliff Lee, and Andy Pettitte is likely leaning towards retirement.
This has lead the Yankees into Plans C, D, E and F.
If the Yankees were to go into camp today, their rotation would consist of CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett as their guaranteed one-three starters with Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre probably as their four-five starters.
Right now, I wouldn’t mind giving Nova a shot to develop, but more as the number five starter. Mitre should be nothing more than a mop-up long reliever.
Now, maybe there is a chance Pettitte does return, especially if Mariano Rivera does make a phone call to Pettitte and convinces him to play one last year.
If Pettitte opts for retirement, the Yankees are in a little bit of trouble.
One name that the Yankees have checked in on is former Colorado Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis.
Francis is another pitcher who is looking for a team to take a chance on him after missing a lot of time due to arm injuries.
He missed the entire 2009 season after arthroscopic shoulder surgery and was limited to 19 starts in 2010.
His best season in the majors was in 2007, going 17-9 with a 4.22 ERA and 215 innings plus going 2-1 in the postseason for Colorado that saw the Rockies win the National League Championship and lose in the World Series to the Red Sox. Since then, he’s run into arm troubles, but looks like he may finally be recovered from them.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Yankees, along with the Mets, Nationals, Rangers and Pirates have all made inquiries on Francis.
Both the Rangers and Nationals are interested in Brandon Webb’s services, who just like Francis, is a pitcher recovering from major arm injuries and is looking for a chance.
The Mets aren’t really looking to spend any money this winter under new GM Sandy Alderson’s reign.
The Pirates did just sign Scott Olsen and Kevin Correia, but Francis’ old Colorado manager Clint Hurdle is the new manager in Pittsburgh and Hurdle could still have some ties to Francis.
That just leaves the Yankees, who have the money to spend and rotation spots to fill.
Francis isn’t going to command any major money from any teams. If anything, he’ll get an incentive-laden contract for 2011, which could turn out to be a decent pay day if he can stay healthy.
Crasnick also said that the medical reports on Francis’ shoulder looked extremely positive and any team willing to take a chance on him could have an upside from Francis.
Should the Yankees take a chance on the soon-to-be 30-year-old lefty?
If I were Brian Cashman, who last month said he would consider signing a pitcher who was deemed a “project,” I might consider Francis.
However, if one of the other teams are going to outbid the Yankees for Francis’ services, let them, because Francis is no guaranteed thing.
But if the Yankees sign him to a contract filled with incentives, it could turn out to be a bargain if Francis reverts back to his 2007 form.
Now I leave it up to you the community to discuss? Should the Yankees take a flier on Jeff Francis?
Do the Yankees like Francis enough to strongly consider signing him? Time will tell.
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