The Diamondbacks seem determined to move ace Dan Haren before his next start on Tuesday, and it appeared as though the Yankees became the favorite. Yes, Dan Haren is no Cliff Lee but Haren is still a solid pitcher. There are a few reasons why the Yankees should go get Haren.
First, Haren is only 29 years old and has a career ERA in the American League of 3.64 going along with 531 strikeouts in three seasons. This proves to the Yankees he can handle the more powerful American League as well as the National League. While Haren is in the middle of the worst season of his career at 7-8 with a 4.60 ERA the Yankees can provide him with a better defense around him and an offense that will score runs.The Yankees are the leaders in runs and on base percentage in the league. That support could help Haren become a better pitcher in New York. Knowing he will get more runs every time he pitches will let him be able to attacking the strike zone more and be able to challenge pitches.
Second, Haren is owed 33 million in the next 2 1/2 years. Haren’s deal is why the Yankees want to make this move. His contract is reasonable for the next few years and unlike Lee, the Yankees wouldn’t owe Haren a major contract until the end of the 2013 season. Additionally, Haren would give the Yankees a pitcher to replace Javier Vazquez after the season. If Vazquez signed elsewhere the Yankees will receive a first round pick from the team that signs him because Vazquez should be a Type A free agent. Then, if Pettitte does retire, the Yankees would still have Sabathia, Burnett, Haren, Hughes which would still give them the best rotation in the league. Then, who knows, the Yankees could still sign Cliff Lee as well.
Third, adding Haren to the rotation this year would give the Yankees six pitchers once Pettitte returns from injury(which should be soon). When the playoffs come around the Yankees can go with Sabathia, Haren, Pettitte and maybe even Burnett in a four man rotation. That would allow Phil Hughes to go to the bullpen where the Yankees desperately need help. The Yankees would definitely have the best postseason rotation and adding Hughes to a bullpen of Joba and Rivera should be the key to bringing the 28th championship back to New York. So, a trade for a starter like Haren could actually help the bullpen as well, which is the Yankees biggest need.
Finally, getting Haren won’t acquire as much as Lee. The proposed players in the deal are Yankees top triple-A pitchers Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister along with other relievers the Yankees have in their farm system. The Diamondbacks have asked for Joba Chamberlain but the Yankees won’t add him in any deal. Also, the Yankees will be able to keep the top prospect in Jesus Montero which puts them in a great situation. Montero can then be kept as a possible trade chip for another deal down the road, or the Yankees can bring him up and use him to bring more offense to the team.
Now, the only question is, do the Diamondbacks make the trade with the Yankees?
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