With the trade deadline fast approaching, the New York Yankees are reportedly putting in calls around the league about available starting pitching. According to a FOX Sports report, Seattle Mariners lefty Jarrod Washburn is officially available. If reports are true that the Yankees are looking for another quality starter due to the injury to Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain’s innings limit, then they should seriously consider Washburn who is having his best year having gone 8-6 with a 2.71 ERA to date.
One potential perk for Washburn may be fans mistaking him for Kiefer Sutherland on the streets of NYC
Now the fans’ expectations should be reasonable if a trade were to happen. Washburn is a 35 year old pitcher who is having is best year in the pitcher’s paradise known as Safeco Field. However, the fact that he is left-handed definitely makes him an attractive option considering the new Yankee Stadium’s home run tendencies in right field. Washburn experienced some statistical success in the old Yankee Stadium (1-4 over 6 starts but a 2.82 ERA), and in his one start in the new stadium was solid (7 IP 4 ER 6Ks). If the price is not too steep (one thinks it would require a lot less talent than if trading for Halladay, Cliff Lee or Erik Bedard), Washburn would fit in nicely as the Yankees 4th or 5th starter with the potential to pitch like a 2 or 3. Washburn is a slightly above average lefty starter who throws strikes, can get you deep into a ballgame and has experience pitching in a pennant race and the playoffs (with the Angels, of course…not Seattle). If you ask me, that is exactly what the Yankees need to boost their championship hopes.
They seriously look alike
Ok seriously the Yankees have to pull the trigger on this move. Not because he is a good pitcher but for the past 3 seasons he has been rumored to the Yankees. Seriously Mr. Cashman please do this move, I cant take it anymore.