Jaret Wright
Once RJ ends up in pinstripes and we find out where Beltran goes, I will give a complete analysis of the Yankees. But yesterday, they made their deal with Jaret Wright official and I just needed to go on record right now as saying that this will be a terrible deal for them.
This guy has been plagued by arm injuries for most of his career. And at the beginning of his career, from 97-99 when he wasn’t hurt, he wasn’t very good. He’s 52-45 with a 5.09 ERA in his career. Half of those wins came at the beginning when he was pitching in front of that great Cleveland offense.
Although he did pitch well for the Indians in the World Series back in 97, and he had a very good regular season for the Braves in “04”, that’s about all he has going for him. His career post-season ERA is 7.24, including 2 starts against the Astros this season in which he lasted a total of 9 2/3 innings giving up 14 hits and 10 runs.
He’s leaving Leo Mazzone (one of the greatest pitching coaches in the game, who always seems to be able to get more out of pitchers than anyone else), and is going to be pitching in the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium where he will be hammered if he doesn’t get off to a good start. He’s never pitched with this kind of pressure. Also, he was facing NL lineups over there and now he comes back to the AL where the lineups are much more potent.
Assuming his arm even holds up, it’s not likely this guy is going to come anywhere near the numbers he put up this past season. I’m predicting a complete bomb, and this is going to become another one of those failed pitching acquisitions to add to the list that is growing much more quickly than anyone in NY would like.
I’m also tempted to add Carl Pavano to that list, but for now I’ll hold off on him and wait until I write my complete assessment on the team.
This guy has been plagued by arm injuries for most of his career. And at the beginning of his career, from 97-99 when he wasn’t hurt, he wasn’t very good. He’s 52-45 with a 5.09 ERA in his career. Half of those wins came at the beginning when he was pitching in front of that great Cleveland offense.
Although he did pitch well for the Indians in the World Series back in 97, and he had a very good regular season for the Braves in “04”, that’s about all he has going for him. His career post-season ERA is 7.24, including 2 starts against the Astros this season in which he lasted a total of 9 2/3 innings giving up 14 hits and 10 runs.
He’s leaving Leo Mazzone (one of the greatest pitching coaches in the game, who always seems to be able to get more out of pitchers than anyone else), and is going to be pitching in the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium where he will be hammered if he doesn’t get off to a good start. He’s never pitched with this kind of pressure. Also, he was facing NL lineups over there and now he comes back to the AL where the lineups are much more potent.
Assuming his arm even holds up, it’s not likely this guy is going to come anywhere near the numbers he put up this past season. I’m predicting a complete bomb, and this is going to become another one of those failed pitching acquisitions to add to the list that is growing much more quickly than anyone in NY would like.
I’m also tempted to add Carl Pavano to that list, but for now I’ll hold off on him and wait until I write my complete assessment on the team.
posted by Bob at 12/30/2004 08:36:00 AM
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