Yankees continue search for pitching. Is anyone worth the price?

Added by Gregg Snyder on January 3, 2012.

It’s been a quiet offseason for the Yankees. Outside of signing starting pitcher CC Sabathia to a contract extension, there have been no big money moves by New York. That seems unlikely to change, by choice, according to Yankees team president Randy Levine.

They may not want to spend big money, but the team is still in search for a starting pitcher. Ideally they would like to acquire someone to fill the No. 2 starter role behind Sabathia. A.J. Burnett can no longer be considered for a role that high. Ivan Nova had an excellent rookie campaign last season but he is no guarantee. Phil Hughes remains some what of an unknown, although I remain a big fan of his. Freddy Garcia was resigned, but is a back of the rotation type.

Free agent, Edwin Jackson may be on the top of the Yankees wish list right now. They like his arm and potential. Jackson has also proven to be a durable starter. However, his price tag and consistency remain question marks. Jackson and agent Scott Boras are asking for a contract worth about $60 million over five years. Don’t expect the Yankees to jump at that.

Jackson is however a guy that can eat up innings, saving the teams bullpen. At 28 years old, he still has some upside to him. If Jackson would accept a deal in the range of four years, $40-44 million, should the Yankees make it happen?

Matt Garza is another name being thrown around. Sure, Garza would be a nice fit in the rotation, but I question the No. 2 starter tag for him. He’s never been a shut down starter. He does have good stuff and is a solid pitcher, but at what price? The Chicago Cubs are apparently asking a lot for him. There have been reports of the Cubs wanting at least two and possibly all three of the Yankees top prospects, Jesus Montero, Dellin Betances, and Manny Banuelos. I would not send two, and definitely not all three for a guy like Garza.

Hiroki Kuroda, Jair Jurrgens, Wandy Rodriguez, Roy Oswalt, and Gavin Floyd are other names the Yankees have at least discussed. I don’t see them making a serious run at any of these players. If Kuroda’s asking price comes down, maybe they take a shot at him. However, his reluctance to come East in the past may make them hesitate. Personally, I really like Jurrgens. Not sure about a transition to the American League for him though.

GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees organization seem to want to hold on to their top prospects and I don’t blame them at all. The top tier prospects in the organization have tremendous upside. Maybe they can find a bargain and get lucky like they did last season with Garcia and Bartolo Colon. Not sure I see a name out there with that potential, but we’ve seen crazier things happen.