7yrs, 155 million for a #3 starter

[Moranis]

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10419250/gm-brian-cashman-new-york-yankees-projects-masahiro-tanaka-no-3-starter

I realize Cashman is trying to downplay expectations but come on, don't be ridiculous.  There is no way you give a player that contract if you only expect him to be a #3 starter.

[wdleehi]

It is also completely meaningless.


The only time it really matters is how the team sets up the rotation for the playoffs. 

[gpap]

I agree that's alot of cash.

Don't forget Kuroda is 38 years old and wouldn't be surprised if he retires after this season.

So Tanaka could be the future number 2 starter.

Unless of course the Yanks go after either Price or Scherzer next year, which they probably will.

[gpap]

It is also completely meaningless.


The only time it really matters is how the team sets up the rotation for the playoffs.

Also a good point.

I think what the Yanks are thinking is if they can assemble a lineup of Sabathia, Kuroda and Tanaka going into the postseason, they'd be looking pretty.

[D.o.s.]

Moment of honesty--I saw the thread title in "latest forum topics" and thought that was an absurd amount of money to pay Jeff Green.

[furball]

This is clearly dampening expectations.  Especially for year one.  Look at Yu Darvish, his era dropped an entire run between the first and second season.  There's an adjustment period.  I am not saying Tanaka is Darvish (I hope he is!!) but it's the same thing.  If Tanaka comes out with a eras around 4 fans will be all over him in NY as he's being played up in the media as a savior.  Cashman has to do his best to keep that from happening.