TIME TO CALL THE DOCTOR

Andy Pettitte, it cannot be argued, was invaluable to the Yankees. He was the Bronx’s Bullpen Backbone. He brought a steadying presence to New York’s pitching corps, along with his ability and legendary status.

This season, his veteran presence will be missing. CC Sabathia can be that guy down the road, but he needs to focus on regaining his Ace status in the rotation. The more CC focuses on himself, the better. Ivan Nova? Perhaps in a few seasons. While Nova has established his worthiness as a Yankee starter, is he ready to be the leader New York needs now?

There is one man available who can bring what the Yankees will miss from Andy Pettitte. That man is Roy Halladay. There is nobody in the Free Agent Pool even close to “Doc” when it comes to experience, dedication, and yes, ability. He would immediately have the entire organization’s respect. Brian McCann would love to work with him. Think of what Doc can impart to Ivan Nova and David Phelps. To everyone on the team.

His training regimen is beyond legendary. Doc is often the first to arrive at the ballpark. He leads by doing, not talking. Halladay resurrected the career of AJ Burnett overnight in Toronto. Without Doc, Burnett lost his footing in New York, and has only recently regained some of his form.


The Pinstripes bestow a player with class and dignity. Halladay already lives his life by these qualities. He gives back to the community. He runs charities with his wife. When traded away from Toronto, he took out full page ads in that city’s newspapers to thank the fans.

Roy is a good man. He would quickly establish himself as being a Yankee, not just someone who plays for the Yankees. New York would embrace him fiercely.

Yes, Doc had a bad season last year. He is getting older, and has suffered from injuries. But so did Andy Pettitte. And there can be no question how valuable Andy was. Halladay can be the key for New York’s pitching. And, he would be relatively cheap. The Yankees should take advantage.

Roy would be amenable to coming to the Bronx. Recent moves by the Office, acquiring Jacoby Ellsbury, Kelly Johnson, and McCann, Beltran have shown they are serious about winning. Doc does not have a World Series Ring. The Yankees could get him one and, conversely, he can help New York do the same.

This site has mentioned bringing Halladay aboard before, in Arms Race Nearly Run, and in Pitching Fits. It needs to be mentioned again and again. What Doc Halladay can bring to the Yankees is calm command. Amazing ability. Unparalleled leadership.

On a personal note, I have seen Roy Halladay pitch on many occasions. During my ten years in Toronto, he never lost a game I attended. Which means I saw him beat the Yankees often. He was the finest pitcher I witnessed in all that time. I know he’s still got it.

New York City needs to call The Doctor. He will cure what ails us.

 
Chad R. MacDonald
BYB Features Writer
Facebook: New York Yankees the Home of Champions
My Blog: ChadRants


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