Report: Yankees Stepping Up Pursuit of Oakland Ace Justin Duchscherer

With Cliff Lee in Philadelphia, Andy Pettitte's future on the rocks, A.J. Burnett completely unpredictable and Boston loaded with bats, the Yankees are desperate to improve their starting rotation.

That desperation appears to mean pursuing a pitcher who has only pitched five games in the past two seasons.

According to ESPN, the Yankees have stepped up their pursuit of Oakland ace Justin Duchscherer.

Duchscherer has posted impressive statistics during his career — owning a career era of 3.13 with only one season with an ERA above 3.31 since 2003.

For a 33-year-old, Duchscherer actually has few innings under his belt, as he has constantly been the victim of various injuries and overcame clinical depression early in his career.

Whether or not he is considered a reliever or starter by the Yankees largely depends on whether or not Pettite returns to the Bronx.

Duchscherer was an All Star, in 2005 and 2008.