GM Cashman: Tanaka Has Potential To Be 'No. 3 Starter'

[RealGM Wiretap]

Masahiro Tanaka, who last month signed the fifth-largest contract for a pitcher in major league history, has the potential to be a "No. 3 starter," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Friday.

"We view him to be a really solid, consistent No. 3 starter," Cashman said on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on ESPN Radio.

Via ESPN.com

[moocow007]

LOL. Seriously Brian? You passed on what would have been a MUCH cheaper Japanes pitcher who had the potential to be a no.1 (Darvish the year before) to sign a guy to the 5th largest pitching contract in history because he might be a no.3 pitcher? Hopefully somewhere lost in translation you meant 3rd best pitcher in all of baseball and not just the 3rd best starter on a team. I mean consistency is great but you get a consistent no.3 for about $30 million...which means, at the end of the day you wasted over $140 million (when you add the $20 million posting fee...but excluding the luxury tax hit) that could have may be used on a bullpen? You know...the thing that basically is just Dave Robertson and nothing else right now? Better find some extra money on medical bills when Sabbathia and Kurodas arms fall off from over use sometime around mid July. Dear lord. Wheres Gene Michael when you need someone in charge with an actual brain.