Why not someone like Scott Kazimr? Statistically speaking, he is one of the best available starting pitchers left on the free agent market. He's got the experience, and he opened up a lot of eyes this season, including mine. He could be a diamond in the rough for the Yankees. Question is, will the Yankees roll the dice and gamble?
I have to admit, this year Scott Kazmir looked different to me. I'm not sure what it was, but I think the Yankees would be crazy not to consider him. The Yankees have been far too quiet this off season and while I understand they wanted to stay away from the big names, this isn't a name like David Price and this price tag is more reasonable.
Kazmir has a lot of positives he can offer the Yankees. First, and probably most needed by the Yankees is that he is a left hander. The Yankees definitely need another lefty to add to the rotation and backup CC Sabathia. He is also durable, this season he pitched 183 innings and the previous year he pitched 190. The Yankees could use someone that can be dependable and pitch deeper into games so they don't burn that bullpen out. In his last five seasons, he has started in at least 28 games. How can you not like that?
One thing that really caught my eye this season was how strong Kazmir started the season. He ended the season with a 3.10ERA and it would've been even better if he had not struggled the last two months of the season. In September he started in six games and had an ugly 6.52 ERA. If he would have ended stronger, I bet Kazmir would have been a bigger target during the winter and he probably would've scored a big contract.
I will admit that the late season struggles are a concern, but a bigger concern for me is not getting another lefty that can eat innings. Kazmir is rumored to have some three year deals on the table, and could possibly be holding out for a four year contract. While I am not crazy about a four year contract, he would still be rather affordable and give the Yankees another solid arm in the rotation.
So will the Yankees take a chance? Maybe, if not now....will they ever? Stay tuned, maybe we could get a New Years day present instead.
--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ
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