That's because a hobbled ace paired with an ugly 2010 rotation means general manager Brian Cashman and his front office will be on a mission to patch things up for 2011. And it all starts with Cliff Lee — no matter how many millions, suites and diamonds it takes to change his wife's mind.
Although Sabathia's repair is for a minor meniscus tear — a mere splinter in today's sports injury world — the Yanks can't take this procedure lightly.
Key word being "lightly."
That's because Sabthia is listed at 6-foot-7, 290 pounds, meaning the big southpaw is likely pushing well over 300 on the scale. However, even if he is just 290 pounds, the ace went through a long season, during which he carried the Yanks' struggling rotation. He pitched 237 2/3 innings and started 34 contests (plus 16 innings in three postseason starts) — not an excruciating amount of work, unless of course, you're his knees.
Chances are, he'll be needed to do it all again in 2011, but even if he is completely healed by spring training, who says those feeble knees can handle another long season?
That's where Lee comes in. The Yankees don't like to take chances and they're not about to trust — or even welcome back — all members of the 2010 staff.
While the Rangers and their new ownership group think they have Lee wrapped up for 2011 and beyond, they could be in for a rude awakening this offseason when the Yanks come calling.
What are your thoughts?
