When Spring happened, there was worry. I was worried, fans were worried, pitching was the issue and I would say that the arms of the Yankees have exceeded expectations…so far, don’t you? AJ Burnett: Whatever Larry Rothschild did or said, it’s not only helped Burnett, it’s put him in a place were I like him, confident and a killer on the mound. AJ has not really let up, only having maybe 1 or 2 lousy outings but meanwhile, he’s managed to last late in games, he never loses his cool and I honestly think he understands his role as teacher for youngsters like Ivan Nova. I think that helps. It’s a good feeling to want to be wanted and Nova clearly thinks Burnett is the top banana…his big brother. Now, Burnett historically has had decent Aprils and May has been kind to him as well. The big test comes in June and then of course, when we really need him, August and September and the playoffs. If Rothschild keeps him focused and AJ’s personal life stays on a positive track, this guy’s capable of winning 18 games for New York, no doubt.
Bartolo Colon: I called him Dr. Chubby with no reason. Now I call him Big Bad Bart. This guy knows how to pitch and never shows fear... ever. He’s so automatic and rarely has a bad night. The big question is can he sustain this incredible start. No one expected this, not even Bartolo. Let me back track, Tony Pena expected this. He saw him when he managed Colon in the Mexican Winter league this past winter and he convinced management to take a chance. I’m glad they did, because Colon’s got heart to keep it rolling in the Yankees rotation. I believe in him. Where can I get a #40 Bartolo Colon Yankees shirt by the way?
CC Sabathia: Our ace showed his awkward start, he usually does, but there isn’t a worry here. CC Monster will continue to kick some butt on the mound, work until the 8th and pound the strike zone every 5th day. My biggest concern is Sabathia opting out at the end of the season. Yes, he’s been quoted as saying he loves New York and would never want to leave. He talks about how the family is settled here and how he doesn’t want to move the kids again. I say things change and you never know what’s going to happen. Bottom line though, CC is our ace for sure and his last 2 outings proved his finally into his 2011 form. Look for more good outings now from CC, it’s just the way he operates…wins are coming.
Ivan Nova: The kid has had his struggles but he’s working through them and he’s done more this year than I thought he would. Nova has a mentor now in AJ and a much better pitching coach than Dave Eiland ever was. If he needs direction, he has it, now he just needs to harness that talent into something much much bigger. Wins. No doubt he has the ability, but the confidence has to come. If Nova understands the Pyramid of Pitching Dominance, expect big things from this kid in 2011. If the confidence doesn’t come, no doubt, he will fail.
Freddy Garcia: Freddy has proved many wrong, even my friend Carlos who had no faith in this guy. Now, even Carlos has jumped on the Garcia bandwagon and with big reason, Freddy has proven a 5th starter can be a winner too, or at least go down trying. I finally got to see him pitch live and while I’ve always like Garcia, I noticed he’s got the veteran swag. He changes up his pitches wonderfully and as far as confidence, he’s got it and is using it, keeping the Yankees in a bunch of games they would have clearly been out of if the wheels fell off. If he, like Colon can stay strong and keep up the strength all season, we have something big coming.
While our rotation is solid right now, don’t forget 2 factors, Phil Hughes and the trade deadline. 2 things can happen in 2011 that are huge. If the rotation stays solid with the 5 guys we have, you can’t just bring Phil Hughes back after guys like Garcia and Colon have earned their pinstripes, so what do you do? I say you ease Hughes in slowly, an occasional spot start and bullpen help. While it’s not ideal, innings were clearly a factor for the loss in velocity to Hughes this year, so if you ease him in and let him pitch out of the pen, your letting him get his work in but your not killing him. That’s my thought anyway.
The other factor is another starter, yes, the kids down in the minors are looking good, but by July, no one wants to give the ball to a kid going through growing pains, so I expect the Yankees to trade for a big fish. Yes, we are the Yankees and yes we can afford it, so let’s do it. King Felix anyone? Mark Buehrle anyone? These guys are reliable and battle tested and would be perfect fits in New York. You don’t think Boston’s thinking the way I’m thinking right now? They are. If we get one of those guys to the Bronx, we will win a 28th title. Everything helps.
The Yankees are coming Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready.
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