Include John Lackey into the mix, and the Yankees could be celebrating No. 28 as early as next fall.
Last winter, the Yankees were able to take home the top three free agents on the market, and it looks like they are willing to go after the top pitcher on this year's Christmas list as well. According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Yankees have the former Angels ace on their radar this winter.
After winning the World Series just five days ago, the Yankees are not expected to be as involved in free agency this winter, but no one is believing that. And no one believes Brian Cashman will let the holiday season come and go without putting another superstar in pinstripes.
Reports have Lackey looking for the five-year, $82.5 million contract the Yankees gave to Burnett last year, and according to SI.com, the Yankees will most likely be willing to give Lackey a deal along those lines. However there is a chance Lackey thinks his value is greater than that of Burnett's at this time last year, and the Yankees could let Lackey sign with another one of the reported teams with interest in the market's best arm, like the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox or Dodgers.
But with a chance to create far and away the best rotation in the league, money will likely not be a factor in the Yankees' decision when it comes time to decide whether to bring Lackey to the Bronx.
The addition of Lackey would give the Yankees a No. 1 in Sabathia and two No. 1As with Burnett and Lackey. And with Lackey serving as the Angels' ace for nearly a decade, the Bombers would have three big-game pitchers on staff, and possibly a fourth depending on Pettitte's decision.
Lackey went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 2009 for the Angels and was impressive against the Yankees in the ALCS before his Angels were eliminated in six games. But it was in that series that SI.com's sources say the Yankees were impressed by his intensity and toughness, pitching deep into the game in both of his starts in Games 1 and 5.
With Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte coming off the books, the Yankees have more than enough money to reinvest into this year's free agents. Pitching still remains the club's No. 1 priority, and with the uncertainty of how Hughes and Chamberlain will be utilized in the coming season, Lackey would solidify an already deep staff.
Sabathia-Lackey-Burnett or Sabathia-Burnett-Lackey is closer to being reality than it is a dream for the Yankees. And the thought of that is enough to be a nightmare for the other 13 teams in the American League.
