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Expensive Hernandez Package Not Worth It



By Mike Silva ~ March 14th, 2011. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Yankees.

Ken Rosenthal suggested today the Yankees offer Seattle a package of Jesus Montero, Ivan Nova, one of Mannny Banuelos/Dellin Betances, and two from a group of second baseman David Adams, RHP Hector Noesi, and shortstop Eduardo Nunez. Although this is a package that could land arguably the game’s best pitcher, it’s one that I wouldn’t do from a Yankees perspective.

There is no doubt how good Felix Hernandez has been to date. He’s achieved similar numbers to Doc Gooden through age 24. Unfortunately, the innings are also similar, leading me to wonder if the heavy workload will catch up to him. This isn’t like acquiring Johan Santana at age 29, but there is precedent for pitchers breaking down when they are used as much as King Felix at a young age. The Yankees can’t commit an error with the package Rosenthal is proposing.

Next, there is the Jack Zduriencik factor. Zduriencik didn’t endear himself to the Yankees during the Cliff Lee negotiations last summer. Many believe, myself included, that he shopped around the Yankees offer to drive up the price after a deal was in place. I think he took the lesser deal in acquiring Justin Smoak, but only time will tell. If that is the kind of shenanigans he pulled for a rental pitcher, what would happen for someone the caliber of Hernandez? If I were Seattle I would jump at the aforementioned package, but they already passed on Montero once. Remember, he is signed through 2014 so there is no rush to make a deal.

Finally, why should the Yankees give up that volume of prospects in the deal? The pool of teams that have the money/prospects to match half that offer is very small, perhaps nonexistent. The wild spending of the Red Sox this winter leads me to believe they wouldn’t be a threat. Points could be made that other big market teams like the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers aren’t a fit for various reasons. Perhaps the Cubs, but I don’t believe they have a prospect the caliber of Montero or Banuelos. The Yankees including a top hitting and pitcher prospect, plus three others is insanely expensive.

Right now, it doesn’t appear there is a fit on either side. I can’t see the Yankees parting with that volume of prospects. Besides, all accounts indicate that Banuelos and Betances are untouchable. The Mariners shouldn’t be in a rush to deal Hernandez since he is signed for another four years. This isn’t a Carmelo Anthony scenario. This is an old fashioned deal that will require both teams believing they received equal value. Quite frankly, I don’t believe Rosenthal’s proposal meets that criterion.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com
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5 Responses to Expensive Hernandez Package Not Worth It

  1. Michael Maggi

    Betances or Banuelos might be King Felix in 2-3 years. To me, it’s worth hanging on to them and taking that chance, especially if it means losing Montero as well.

  2. Stu B

    “Betances or Banuelos might be King Felix in 2-3 years.”

    Unlikely, but I agree that this is too much to give up. The idea seems comparable to the package of Aguilera, Tapani, West et al that the Mets gave up for Frank Viola in 1989.

  3. Michael Maggi

    Despite the walks, Banuelos seemed to carry himself well and with poise last night against the Sox on a National stage. At this point I don’t give him up for anyone unless it’s Lincecum, Price, King Felix, Josh Johnson and it’s straight up for Banuelos.

  4. Stu B

    No doubt Banuelos is a great prospect, but don’t get carried away with spring training appearances.

  5. Michael Maggi

    “Unlikely, but I agree that this is too much to give up. The idea seems comparable to the package of Aguilera, Tapani, West et al that the Mets gave up for Frank Viola in 1989.”

    Or how about Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips, and Lee Stevens for Bartolo Colon back in 2002. Pretty sure the Expos/Nationals would want to undo that one.

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