Yankees Looking At Washburn

[Bleacher_Creature]

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees are "taking a serious look at Seattle lefty Jarrod Washburn."

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

He pitched pretty good against Boston last night...

[ppa79]

Someone pull the trigger already.

[Yankee Tripper]

Washburn is not the answer and we'd have his contract on the book next year for $6.5 M.

[THEBOSS84]

Washburn is not the answer and we'd have his contract on the book next year for $6.5 M.

Risk = 0
Reward = he's better than Rasner/Ponson

[Tifoso]

As long as they're only looking

[JeffWeaverFan]

I agree that this deserves it's own thread (I was about to make one). I'm personally against it.

Here's my concern: How much better is he than Ponson and/or Rasner? He's due $10M next year, and I don't know if the upgrade over Ponson/Rasner is worth wasting $10M on him next year (or I guess like $6M because we'd be getting rid of Igawa's $4M).

This year Washburn has a K/9 of 5.32, a K/BB of 2.03, and a G/F of .97.

Rasner has a K/9 of 6.18, a K/BB of 2.56, and a G/F of .92. And Ponson has a K/9 of 4.14, a K/BB of 1.33, and a G/F of 2.39.

Lastly, I hate the idea of him being penciled into the rotation next year, although I guess he could be the 5 starter to start the season in place of Hughes until Hughes pushes him out of there. But there's got to be a better option than Washburn and his $10M salary for that.

[ppa79]

Washburn is not the answer and we'd have his contract on the book next year for $6.5 M.

6.5 mil isn't bad for someone who can possibly pitch 200 innings and give you an era of 4.5 especially the only thing you are giving up is Igawa who is completely waste of a roster spot.

[JeffWeaverFan]

Risk = 0
Reward = he's better than Rasner/Ponson

Risk= Jarrod Washburn lhp
4 years/$37.5M (2006-09)

• signed as a free agent 12/05
• 06:$7.45M, 07:$9.85M, 08:$9.85M, 09:$10.35M
• limited no-trade protection
• 1 year/$6.5M (2005), avoided arbitration 1/05
• 1 year/$5.45M (2004), avoided arbitration 1 /04
• 1 year/$3.875M (2003), avoided arbitration 1/03
• 1 year/$0.35M (2002) 3/02
• agent: Scott Boras
• ML service: 8.131

So that's about $4M this year and another $10.35M next year.

Reward: Is he though?

[Yankee Tripper]

6.5 mil isn't bad for someone who can possibly pitch 200 innings and give you an era of 4.5 especially the only thing you are giving up is Igawa who is completely waste of a roster spot.

If they take Igawa and his $8M due the next two years, straight up for Washburn then year it's not a horrible idea. At worst Washburn could be an overpriced lefty out of the pen, spot starter or long guy.

I don't see Seattle taking on Igawa for Washburn though.

[ppa79]

I agree that this deserves it's own thread (I was about to make one). I'm personally against it.

Here's my concern: How much better is he than Ponson and/or Rasner? He's due $10M next year, and I don't know if the upgrade over Ponson/Rasner is worth wasting $10M on him next year (or I guess like $6M because we'd be getting rid of Igawa's $4M).

This year Washburn has a K/9 of 5.32, a K/BB of 2.03, and a G/F of .97.

Rasner has a K/9 of 6.18, a K/BB of 2.56, and a G/F of .92. And Ponson has a K/9 of 4.14, a K/BB of 1.33, and a G/F of 2.39.

Lastly, I hate the idea of him being penciled into the rotation next year, although I guess he could be the 5 starter to start the season in place of Hughes until Hughes pushes him out of there. But there's got to be a better option than Washburn and his $10M salary for that.

For 6.5 mil, I think that is good value for someone who is capable of giving you 200 innings and a 4.5 era.

I'm not worried about him blocking Hughes because if Hughes shows he is superior to Washburn, Hughes will be starting.

[Yankee Tripper]

So that's about $4M this year and another $10.35M next year.

Reward: Is he though?

That's worse than I tought.

[ppa79]

If they take Igawa and his $8M due the next two years, straight up for Washburn then year it's not a horrible idea. At worst Washburn could be an overpriced lefty out of the pen, spot starter or long guy.

I don't see Seattle taking on Igawa for Washburn though.

Isn't that the deal that Olney said, Igawa and a lower level prospect for Wasburn?

[THEBOSS84]

Risk= Jarrod Washburn lhp
4 years/$37.5M (2006-09)

• signed as a free agent 12/05
• 06:$7.45M, 07:$9.85M, 08:$9.85M, 09:$10.35M
• limited no-trade protection
• 1 year/$6.5M (2005), avoided arbitration 1/05
• 1 year/$5.45M (2004), avoided arbitration 1 /04
• 1 year/$3.875M (2003), avoided arbitration 1/03
• 1 year/$0.35M (2002) 3/02
• agent: Scott Boras
• ML service: 8.131

So that's about $4M this year and another $10.35M next year.

Reward: Is he though?

You're not including the Igawa dollars that'll be dumped in this trade.

Gun to my head, who'd I rather have as my 5th starter for the rest of the year in order to make the playoffs? Washburn over either of those two, any day.

[ppa79]

Risk= Jarrod Washburn lhp
4 years/$37.5M (2006-09)

• signed as a free agent 12/05
• 06:$7.45M, 07:$9.85M, 08:$9.85M, 09:$10.35M
• limited no-trade protection
• 1 year/$6.5M (2005), avoided arbitration 1/05
• 1 year/$5.45M (2004), avoided arbitration 1 /04
• 1 year/$3.875M (2003), avoided arbitration 1/03
• 1 year/$0.35M (2002) 3/02
• agent: Scott Boras
• ML service: 8.131

So that's about $4M this year and another $10.35M next year.

Reward: Is he though?

Subtract out the Igawa money next year and the 2 years after.

[Yankee Tripper]

Isn't that the deal that Olney said, Igawa and a lower level prospect for Wasburn?

Could be. Is Olney ever right on these things? He always seems behind the curve on these rumors.

[Mark19]

Could be. Is Olney ever right on these things? He always seems behind the curve on these rumors.

He announced the Sexson signing two hours before the other guys

-=-

Rasner will be pitching for his job tonight. We really need someone who can give us more than 5 innings and 3-4 earned. Ponson has a WHIP near 2, eventually his luck will run out and we'll be stuck with a 5-6 run deficit early.

Washburn has been reliably average for the last few years. He is a lefty and he seems comfortable in big game situations. If we can send a AAAA bat and Igawa/Hawkins, the deal makes lots of sense. If we throw someone of value, perhaps they'll even give us Ryan Rowland-Smith.

[ppa79]

Washburn has been reliably average for the last few years. He is a lefty and he seems comfortable in big game situations. If we can send a AAAA bat and Igawa/Hawkins, the deal makes lots of sense. If we throw someone of value, perhaps they'll even give us Ryan Rowland-Smith.

Shelly and Igawa. Get it done Cash.

[Yankee Tripper]

I suppose if it is Igawa and someone not likely to make our roster, then Washburn is an upgrade over either Ponson or Rasner. The thought of Washburn in our rotation at $10.35M next year is what I really don't like.

[ppa79]

I suppose if it is Igawa and someone not likely to make our roster, then Washburn is an upgrade over either Ponson or Rasner. The thought of Washburn in our rotation at $10.35M next year is what I really don't like.

What about the thought of having Igawa in the AAA rotation for 4 million dollars. And in 2010 and 2011 for 4 million dollars?

[Cheesyhoboe]

If Hughes and Kennedy decide to show up next year, we could always just keep Washburn as the long man. This is obviously a move targeted towards winning THIS year, though.

[effdamets]

I wouldn't mind seeing Washburn in the Bronx... wearing a Yankee's uniform.
I think he'd get better just because of the stadium he'd pitch half his games in.

And to get rid of Igawa? Whoa! That is the gas for my fire!
Then there would be zero temptation on bringing him to the big club ever again!

[sweet_lou_14]

What about the thought of having Igawa in the AAA rotation for 4 million dollars. And in 2010 and 2011 for 4 million dollars?

This can't be stressed enough.

[Mark19]

Shelly and Igawa. Get it done Cash.

Shelley is on the DL, out for the season

If anything they'd want a AAAA player for roster filler while they wind down this lost season. Justin Christian or Matt Carson sounds more appropriate.

[JeffWeaverFan]

You're not including the Igawa dollars that'll be dumped in this trade.

Gun to my head, who'd I rather have as my 5th starter for the rest of the year in order to make the playoffs? Washburn over either of those two, any day.

No, I'm not, so that's fair.

I really just don't know if he's much of an upgrade, if any, over those two.

[webassign]

This really hinges on whether Seattle is dumb enough to take on Igawa. What makes Igawa attrative to them?

[Ynkcpt23]

I wouldn't mind seeing Washburn in the Bronx... wearing a Yankee's uniform.
I think he'd get better just because of the stadium he'd pitch half his games in.

And to get rid of Igawa? Whoa! That is the gas for my fire!
Then there would be zero temptation on bringing him to the big club ever again!

Just the thought of Igawa being somebody else's headache brings joy to my heart. I f***ing hate the fact that we've wasted so much money on that chump.

[ppa79]

No, I'm not, so that's fair.

I really just don't know if he's much of an upgrade, if any, over those two.

Over the course of the season, I would say Washburn is capable of giving you 200 innings and an era of about 4.5. Could you say the same for Rasner or Ponson? I can't.

[4bronxbombers]

If he can pitch better than Ponson and Rasner I'd say do it and if we can dump Igawa I'll be doin' the jig down 161st street.

[effdamets]

If he can pitch better than Ponson and Rasner I'd say do it and if we can dump Igawa I'll be doin' the jig down 161st street.

We'll all be watching for that!!!!

[4bronxbombers]

We'll all be watching for that!!!!

[ShaneTravis]

If Hughes and Kennedy decide to show up next year, we could always just keep Washburn as the long man. This is obviously a move targeted towards winning THIS year, though.

Who's to say Washburn could not be traded mid year next year? Or simply dropped?

Best case? We get a lefty for back end of rotation and lessen the payroll after next year by 8 million. We take on more money short term but what in the world would be the downside of losing Igawa's contract?

[destro]

Could be. Is Olney ever right on these things? He always seems behind the curve on these rumors.

he got matsuzaka right.

[themgmt]

Washburn is not the answer and we'd have his contract on the book next year for $6.5 M.

If they're taking Igawa it pretty much offsets itself monetarily. And ends the embarrassing enigma that is Kei Igawa

[JeffWeaverFan]

Over the course of the season, I would say Washburn is capable of giving you 200 innings and an era of about 4.5. Could you say the same for Rasner or Ponson? I can't.

I honestly think Rasner could. And, I think that for the next 10 starts, those two guys have pretty much as good of a chance as pitching as well as Washburn.

[effdamets]

If they're taking Igawa it pretty much offsets itself monetarily. And ends the embarrassing enigma that is Kei Igawa

From the other side, maybe it's the change of scenary that Igawa needs.

Also, when the Yankees play the Mariners and they bring that hack in, the Yankee hitters can pad their stats!

[ppa79]

I honestly think Rasner could. And, I think that for the next 10 starts, those two guys have pretty much as good of a chance as pitching as well as Washburn.

I guess I'm not as high on Rasner as you are. I just think of him as a decent spot starter here and there.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

No, I'd prefer Kennedy.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I guess I'm not as high on Rasner as you are. I just think of him as a decent spot starter here and there.

Darrell Rasner is good enough to be a spot starter/long reliever.

Get Jarrod Washburn for Kei Igawa and Ian Kennedy will battle with him for the 5th spot.

[THEBOSS84]

No, I'd prefer Kennedy.

This year?

[yankeeman61]

If they're taking Igawa it pretty much offsets itself monetarily. And ends the embarrassing enigma that is Kei Igawa

If they take Igawa and the wasted money, I'd take Washburn for next year. Hell, they can even trade him somewhere else in the off season. Do it, and get a damn bat for the lineup while you're at it, Cashman.

[webassign]

This really hinges on whether Seattle is dumb enough to take on Igawa. What makes Igawa attrative to them?

2:06
[Comment From Kei Igawa]
What the in world would make Seattle want to trade Washburn for a bum like me?
2:06
Hard to say if the Mariners actually have any desire to have Igawa currently. But, it'd mostly be for salary relief (though Igawa would kind of negate that).

[BroadwayBomber55]

If they take Igawa and the wasted money, I'd take Washburn for next year. Hell, they can even trade him somewhere else in the off season. Do it, and get a damn bat for the lineup while you're at it, Cashman.

Better be a right-handed bat.

As for Kei Igawa, he can thrive in Seattle's heavy sea air. But then again, he can give up a lot of doubles and triples.

Do it, Brian Cashman get Jarrod Washburn and then give the M's Kei Igawa. Do it. Do it.

[Hobbes40]

Seattle wants salary relief? Then they better throw in Ichiro, Cairo, and Bedard if they want our Japanese ace.

[JL25and3]

Over the course of the season, I would say Washburn is capable of giving you 200 innings and an era of about 4.5. Could you say the same for Rasner or Ponson? I can't.

More likely 180 than 200.

[webassign]

Seattle wants salary relief? Then they better throw in Ichiro, Cairo, and Bedard if they want our Japanese ace.

Miguel Cairo will instantly triple this team's grittiness.

[StatenIslandYankee]

I would not mind it at all. Only downside is Boston has hit him hard over the years. But he is an upgrade over Ponson and Rasner.

[ppa79]

I would not mind it at all. Only downside is Boston has hit him hard over the years. But he is an upgrade over Ponson and Rasner.

We wouldn't be getting him to go toe to toe against Beckett. We would be getting him to give us some stability in the back end of our rotation.

[BroadwayBomber55]

We wouldn't be getting him to go toe to toe against Beckett. We would be getting him to give us some stability in the back end of our rotation.

A rotation with a healthy Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Moose, Joba Chamberlain, and Jarrod Washburn? That's solid.

Then, if the Yankees make the playoffs, Washburn as a LOOGY from the pen?!

[just-blaze]

2:06
[Comment From Kei Igawa]
What the in world would make Seattle want to trade Washburn for a bum like me?
2:06
Hard to say if the Mariners actually have any desire to have Igawa currently. But, it'd mostly be for salary relief (though Igawa would kind of negate that).

They are owned by a Japanese company, they get a little salary relief, they are rebuilding, there isn't a big market out for Washburn, and most importantly (believe it or not) his stuff his on par with Washburn....... a change of scenery or a brave pitching coach might believe that they can fix him back to what he was in Japan.

[Mark19]

I would not mind it at all. Only downside is Boston has hit him hard over the years. But he is an upgrade over Ponson and Rasner.

Well, Boston hasn't hit him hard over the years. Over the last three years he's pitched to a 4.2 ERA against the Red Sox. For his career, it is 4.6.

I would gladly take a 6 inning 3 earned performance against the Red Sox. It is vastly preferable to a 4 inning, 6 earned performance you are likely to get from Rasner.

Furthermore, he owns a 3.6 career ERA at Fenway and a 2.6 career ERA against the Rays

He would be a very good fit if we got him in a salary dump