The Yankees resisted the urge to acquire arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball during the offseason. Instead they are committed to building a young starting staff with Hughes, Kennedy, and eventually Chamberlain along with the guidance of a few veterans. Cashman knew a few years back that he has to build a strong pitching staff within the organization and the future looks bright for the big three.
The projected rotation of Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Mussina, and Kennedy could potentially be a good or a bad one. If Hughes and Kennedy mature, Pettitte stays healthy and puts the past behind him, and Mussina can regain some of his old form….the Yanks should be vying for a playoff spot in September. Of course that is a lot to ask far, especially since that there is a innings limit for the big three. There will probably be about 60-90 innings unaccounted for if the innings limit holds true. Who can fill those innings? (I know I am beating a dead horse here, but it is a legit concern) Igawa, Henn, Karstens, and Rasner are probably not the answers. If things go horribly wrong by midseason, the Yanks might have to make a trade for a starting pitcher or go the minor league route again. There will be growing pains at times for the big three, but that is to be expected, as it will be their first (almost) full seasons.
I anticipate that the Yanks will make a trade regardless of what their record is. I hope it is Harden…but the price when up after his first start against the Red Sox. Our rotation is not the best by any means but they can still keep our team in the game. Wang needs to be the ace of the staff again; let’s hope that he keeps his sinker down all season! With Joba starting the season as a reliever, will he have the arm strength when the Yanks finally put him in the rotation at midseason? Can we trust Farnsworth in front of Rivera?
Posted by cmarms 
