The New York Yankees wouldn't admit this at the moment, but they're worried about their post-season starting rotation, big time. After CC Sabathia, who won his American League leading 17th game this afternoon, all of the Yankee starting pitchers are question marks. Let's take a look at the other options, shall we?
A.J. Burnett - Last year's post-season #2 starter has been brilliant some of the time, but downright awful most of the time. The Yankees can't possibly feel comfortable throwing him in a game 2 this year, but they may not have a choice. Burnett is 9-11 with a 4.80 EAR this season, a far cry from what the Yankees had expected, and the kind of pitcher who probably shouldn't even make the post-season roster.
Andy Pettitte - Last year's post-season #3 starter has been terrific this season, posting a 11-2 record with a 2.88 ERA. The problem is, he hasn't pitched in more than a month, and likely won't take the mound for at least another two weeks. Once he does he'll only have a few starts to get ready for the playoffs? Can he be effective after only two rehab starts? Probably. But another setback is always possible too.
Phil Hughes - With a 15-5 record and a 3.90 ERA, Hughes is the best bet to be the Yankees #2 playoff starter this season. But his dreaded "innings limit" looms. Phil is at 140.2 innings at the moment, and rumor has it his limit is 175 (not counting the playoffs). If the Yankees skip a start or two for Hughes to keep him under their limit, if could affect him for the playoffs. Time will tell...
Javier Vazquez - It's been an up and down year for the much maligned Vazquez, and unfortunately, right now he's on the downswing. He didn't make it out of the 4th inning on Saturday, his velocity is way down, and his record stands at 9-9 with a 5.05 ERA. Again, the kind of pitcher you'd like to skip come playoff time.
Dustin Moseley, Chad Guadin, Sergio Mitre - Don't laugh. If things don't fall right for the above 4 pitchers, one or all of the above could be in line for a playoff start. Right now, Moseley (3-2, 4.76 ERA) is the best bet. One could argue that he's pitched better than Burnett or Vazquez anyhow, and should get a playoff start regardless. Yankee manager Joe Girardi isn't afraid to do the unconventional, so don't be surprised if it happens.
Ivan Nova - With Alex Rodriguez going on the DL today, the Yankees recalled the ace of their AAA Scranton staff, Ivan Nova, who will pitch tomorrow in Toronto. Nova is 12-3 with a 2.86 ERA at Scranton. The Yankees are saying this move was made to give their current starters extra rest, and presumably to help them keep Hughes under his innings limit. But I think it's much more than that. The Yankees have seen how the Tampa Rays have caught lightning in a bottle by called up phenom Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 2.05 ERA), and are hoping Nova can provide their staff with the same lift. More importantly, I think they're looking for a dominant 4th starter to slot in after Sabathia, Hughes and (hopefully) Pettitte. Is Nova a long shot to help now? Of course. But it's certainly worth looking into.
Isn't it funny how everyone thought the Yankees were overstepping their bounds making a run for Mariner's ace Cliff Lee (now with the Texas Rangers) at the trade deadline? "An embarrassment of riches" is what the Yankees would have had, by some accounts. But after thinking about all of the above, Lee sure would be looking pretty good in pinstripes right about now...
0 comments:
Post a Comment