MLB New York Yankees

New York Yankees Still Need to Add Depth to the Rotation

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By @chriswgamble

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Getty Images

There is one thing the New York Yankees need as they get ready for 2015, another starting pitcher. The questions around Michael Pineda’s shoulder, Masahiro Tanaka’s elbow, C.C. Sabathia’s knees, Nathan Evioldi’s ability to harness his talent and Ivan Nova’s return from Tommy John surgery haven’t gone anywhere. Right now, Chris Capuano is the most stable arm in the rotation. Think about that for a moment.

The talent in the Yankees’ rotation is among the best in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, those questions hang over the Yankees like a dark cloud. Depth is also a question mark as well. Bryan Mitchell figures to be the first arm up in case someone goes down. Jose de Paula could be the second arm up. The Yankees need depth since they are not going to pursue James Shields, the best available free agent starter, so that leaves only reclamation projects and free agents with question marks themselves.

There are still a few free agents out there that could make sense for the Yankees on different levels. The Yankees were tied to Johan Santana who was drawing interest from several clubs before he suffered shoulder discomfort and missed his final start in the Venezuelan Winter League. The Yankees might still show interest in Santana on a minor league deal and see what is in the tank during Spring Training.

Another option is Brandon Beachy, the 28-year-old right-hander that is trying to come back from his second Tommy John surgery. Beachy is the most logical investment given his age and production on the field but he won’t be ready to start the season. There is also 31-year-old righty Alexi Ogando who is coming back from elbow issues and there are concerns about his shoulder as well. Others include Scott Baker, Bruce Chen, Chad Billingsley, Roberto Hernandez and Paul Maholm. All have their own questions surrounding them from age, effectiveness and injury.

The Yankees need to take a gamble on one of the remaining free agents, kind of like what they did with Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon a few years ago. Basically throw a dart and hope one can contribute. There are no other options at this point since the Yankees made it clear they aren’t going to spend big on a pitcher this offseason.

Options at this point are few and far between but adding depth is something the Yankees need to do at this point. They should bring in two more arms given all of the questions surrounding the remaining free agents and their own staff. The question is, what risky arm do they bring in and hope upon? Who would you sign if you were Brian Cashman? Let us know in the comments.

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