It has been widely reported that the New York Yankees have engaged in talks with free agent Carl Crawford because they consider him a potential "plan B" should they fail to sign the apple of their eye, pitcher Cliff Lee.
What has not been mentioned at all, however, is the possibility that New York might also be considering the speedy outfielder as a "plan B" should Andy Pettitte decide to retire.
And why wouldn't they?
If Crawford really is considered a backup plan in the event that Lee doesn't sign on, why on earth wouldn't he be just as good a backup plan—if not better—in the event that Pettitte decides to retire?—And by the way, it's sounding more and more as if that is exactly what Andy Pettitte intends to do.
Think about it.
The thought behind Crawford serving as a "plan B" for Lee was that the Yankees would take the majority of the money set aside for the lefty ace and give it to Crawford, then use one of their current outfielders—most likely Nick Swisher or Curtis Granderson—to acquire a starting pitcher.
If Pettitte calls it a career, the Yankees are still one pitcher short of a rotation even IF they sign Lee.
However, they would be in better shape—who wouldn't rather have Lee than Pettitte next year, given the option?
The Yankees could then deal one of their outfielders—we're betting on Swisher—for a starting pitcher to fill in at the 4-hole behind CC Sabathia, Lee and Phil Hughes.
The money the team was ready to pay to Pettitte—at least $12 million—combined with Swisher's 2011 salary—$9.1 million—would easily cover the salary for Crawford.
And don't forget, Crawford is a guy the Yankees—especially Cashman—have pined over for YEARS now, and he's EXACTLY the type of player—super athletic, fast, great defense—the Yankees GM has been targeting in the post-PED era.
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