Possible Pitching Prognosis?

This is a short scenario, driven by a question from a friend who likes the Red Sox [he had postulated that the Yanks would land CC Sabathia, and that the Sox would snag AJ Burnett].

Here's a scenario I posted at The Post, envisioning a possible scenario for both clubs if CC goes elsewhere [I promise, I will still do a detailed look at pitching, later on :-)]

Truthfully, not so sure that CC won't turn down the money [and, make no mistake, we'll be lavishing plenty of $$$!]. That means we will make a play for AJ for sure. I still think Sheets is damaged goods [I just mentioned AJ Burnett and held him up as a healthy example. Obviously the world has spun off its axis!] Starting to sound as if Mike Mussina might not be back [that is Jim Palmer's opinion, and he spoke with Moose recently]. I still think Derek Lowe would be good for a year or two, until the kids catch up.

So, if we are correct on CC and Moose, that would give the Yanks:

CM Wang

Andy Pettitte

AJ Burnett

Derek Lowe

Carl Pavano/Phil Hughes/Alfredo Aceves

Notice I actually included Pav in the mix? We hold a club option for 2009 on him, and

[1] He's actually pitched solidly this time, and

[2] It would essentially be a walk year for him, and

[3] He always performs better in a walk year, and

[4] You can never have too much pitching, and

[5] Maybe, once he shows average ability, we could send him to a bad ballclub in need of pitching and get a star in return. Maybe Pittsburgh, and Nate McLouth? [CF]

So, that would leave Boston with:

Beckett

Dicey

Lester

Sheets?

Masterson/Buchholz/Wake/Schill

Plenty of arms to keep things interesting!

Oh, Ian and Joba? IPK's value is low. Keep him down on the farm, re-tooling. Maybe we can build him back up. Joba? 8th inning, building back arm strength [and, auxiliary closer, in case Mo's surgery goes badly]. Aceves? The man knows how to pitch. I really think he will be at Scranton along with Hughsie, mostly because they need to throw innings and be available if/when someone goes down. Andy will have a better off-season and be able to work out correctly. His mind will be far less troubled, and he's a lefty :-)