I think that the Yankees gave Cone every chance to succeed last year. Even with Pettitte hurt, I'd rather see the kids (Lilly, Keisler, and Knight) receive an opportunity. If one of those three pans out, the Yankees will have taken a step toward injecting some needed youth into the pitching staff. It's a gamble, but I'd like to see the prospects get a shot.

The Yanks also gave Cone a chance to come back, offering a non-guaranteed $500,000 contract (plus incentives). But Cone's pride wouldn't let him accept the role as a fifth starter, and so he moved on.

Cone was my favorite Yankee; his successful comeback from an aneurysm drew me to the team back in 1996 (I was still relatively new to NY back then). I find it difficult to root against him. But unlike the Fat Man, banished in the Clemens trade, I don't wish Cone the chance to show up the Yanks. If he faces them in a pennant race, no question which side I'm taking.

Anybody read Roger Angell's book on Cone? I couldn't put it down.