"On second thought, I think I'll sign somewhere else."
There has been a lot of buzz over at MLB Trade Rumors that Jarrod Washburn could find his way into Yankee pinstripes soon. The Mariner lefty has enjoyed a healthy 2008 and would fit nicely into the back end of New York’s rotation, likely replacing one of Darrell Rasner or Sidney Ponson. While it appears that the price, in prospects that it is, would be within Brian Cashman’s budget, I’m not so sure that this is simply a salary dump (no, I have not trademarked the term as of this moment).
Let’s take a gander at Washburn’s numbers this year, as well as some splits. (All statistics cited in this post were taken directly from baseball-reference.com).
GS: 19
W-L: 4-9
IP: 110
H: 131
BB: 32
K: 65
ERA: 4.75
Using these “19th-century” statistics, we can see that Wash has been respectable but far from spectacular. Seattle’s terrible offense aside, he isn’t exactly tearing up opponents. Or is he?
March/April: 33.1 IP, 4.86 ERA
May: 20.1 IP, 9.30 ERA
June: 30.2 IP, 2.93 ERA
July: 25.2 IP, 3.16 ERA
His totals are clearly skewed by a horrendous May. Outside of that, he’s posting a sub-4.00 ERA. Hey, that rhymes.
Now, I certainly wouldn’t expect him to keep up this pace, but a resurging Yankees offense and flyball-friendly ballpark would give him the firm support he needs. Lefties are OPS-ing just .646 against him, and we know well how the cavernous left side of Yankee Stadium’s outfield hurts right-handers. He is notable for pitching well at the House That Ruth Built for a while, but that’s not enough reason to get him, in my opinion. I simply like the situation and his career. He should be had for a B-level prospect and perhaps cash, and Jarrod has postseason experience. Being left-handed is usually to your benefit as well.
Ignoring statistics for a moment, I’d like to make it known that I largely advocate this move in the favor of the Yankees, and for the Mariners, albeit to a lesser extent. The Yanks get a veteran lefty who has pitched well in their home ballpark for nothing of interest to them, and the M’s dump unnecessary salary. As an added bonus, the Yankees would have him under contract for 2009 at the reasonable sum of $10.35MM. Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina are not automatic re-signs, so I take this as a plus and not a negative as many have claimed across the ‘Net.
The bottom line: Brian Cashman, go get ’em.
The Salary Dump 