At least if Clemens comes back, we can deal Pavano for a power hitting first-baseman (a nice package with some of the minor league pitchers for Texiera? Anyone else salivating?)
You'd really do that? Clemens would just last the year. Pavano still has this year and next on his contract. What are we going to do for a starter then?
I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Phil Hughes? Humberto Sanchez? Those names ring a bell? Our minor league system is clogged with pitchers, some who have hit a ceiling and will never play for the Yankees simply because there are better guys in front of them (DeSalvo comes to mind). Both of those guys are ready to go. If not, Darrell Rasner or Jeff Karstens will make a fine, reliable #5 starter that allows the Yankees to abide by their 180 inning pitch schedule for Hughes, and they can start "Dirty" Sanchez slow out of the bullpen.
Pavano blows, and I have no doubt Cashman will unload him when he can assemble a nice package for a position player he feels will really take this team over the top, like a Mark Texiera.
