Any deal with Hughes as the centerpiece would have been better than any deal offered for Haren, Santana, etc.

I guess you also believe that Hughes now throws 100mph too.

If this system is as great as everyone brags about we can afford the 3 prospect trade for an ace right?
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None of what the Yanks offered would’ve been better than what these teams received.

If this system is as great as everyone brags about we can afford the 3 prospect trade for an ace right?
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Who brags that the system is great? I think most of us just say that it’s improving, thanks to Cashman and his team and their re-dedication to player development since October 2005 (but functionally since June 2006).

The system is getting better but it’s not quite at that point yet where the Yanks could’ve traded away the farm for one of those players and not totally depleted themselves of high-ceiling prospects.

Steve is actually right.

What has Cashman done?

He watched Santana, Haren, Sabathia, Harden all get moved and didn’t get one of them.

If this system is as great as everyone brags about we can afford the 3 prospect trade for an ace right?

A Washburn deal could still get done during this because it’s unlikely anyone would block him on his pass through waivers.

My feeling is that Cashman has made some clever deals, most of which were caused by injuries. I guess it’s hard for me to be critical considering the situation that led to him having such a weak back end of the rotation. Wang’s injury was pretty freakish.

The reason why I am not as optimistic about the Yankees chances is because I think they need another starter. Whether that is a direct reflection on Cashman or not, I’m not sure, but I do agree with Steve that they can’t continue to throw Ponson out there and expect to win anything.

However, I also think the pitching problem is not just Ponson but that everyone else is slotted a spot too high in the rotation, except for Joba. Right now Joba is pitching like a # 1, Mussina is pitching like a # 3, Pettite like a # 4, and Rasner like a # 5. I think the only way this team would be a legit contender would be if they had a # 2…which actually is Wang but he’s probably out for the season.

I don’t count on Carl Pavano for anything but if the guy is healthy and can give the Yankees 5 starts or so down the stretch instead of Ponson, I would take that in a second.

All, I’ve shared my comments/opinions on this now. And, I’m going to stop at this point, in this one, because advancing it again is just annoying. I’d rather not do that.

What I wrote is what I believe…it’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean that you have to agree with me – and I welcome you to post your opinions, etc., in a respectful manner. I like seeing them.

For the record, I am not faulting Cashman for the trades that he made – I think they all make sense. My issue is the failure to get a starting pitcher – that’s all. And, I cannot bow to him as being a genius – because he failed to address a huge hole on the Yankees team: Ponson. That’s it…your mileage may differ.

~~Let’s say you could fire Cashman and hire the next Yankee GM. Who would you hire and why?~~

You’ve asked me this before, no? I could swear that I’ve addressed this in comments sections for you before…

Anyway, tying back to this:

http://waswatching.com/2007/05/29/the-yankees-bite/

..from last year. I would suggest one of the following: Wayne Krivsky, Logan White, Mike Arbuckle, Tony LaCava, Mike Rizzo, Chuck McMichael, Mike Radcliff, Damon Oppenheimer, Al Avila, or Jack Zduriencik.

~~The one start he’s made since that “post” has changed your mind on him? Seems like a lot of faith to put into such a small sample size. ~~

Actually, I only saw the report after making that post. According to it, Wasburn found his change-up back in June. And, the numbers back that up. Since June 9th, he’s made EIGHT starts and has an ERA of 2.65 over that period (in 51 IP).

Raf – sometimes comments get caught in the SPAM net for no reason. That’s where your’s ended up. Sorry, I’ve now set it free – - and it’s listed here.