In our preseason previews, we expressed some deep concerns for the Yankees’ pitching staff. And that was when they were at full strength. With Chien-Ming Wang still a few weeks away from returning to the team, the Bronx Bombers must deal with two more starters on the DL. Veterans Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano were both placed on the DL. Carl Pavano injured? Unheard of.
This leaves the Yankees with a couple options. They can run a two man rotation with Kei Igawa and the unknown Darrell Rasner. But considering this isn’t 1920, I’d say the odds of that happening aren’t very good. They can sign some veteran bum to win 15 games for them. Shaun Chacon, the late Cory Lidle, and Jon Lieber all had nice rejuvenations with the Yankees. I’m sure there’s a couple more scrubs that are in need of some work. How about calling up former Yankee Sterling Hitchcock? Or maybe journeyman James Baldwin? Kevin Tapani? Steve Trachsel?
This is what separates the Yankees from other strong teams in the American League. The hated Red Sox have one of the deepest rotations in baseball, with six or seven guys capable of taking the slab and eating up some innings. The Angels also have that. The Yankees? Not so much. For the next few weeks, they’re going be forced to win some 10-9 games, something they’re real capable of doing.
I’m officially calling for the Yankees to bring up some young arms. Youngster Jeff Karstens is also on the DL but last I checked, the prodigy Phillip Hughes is healthy. He’s been called a “young Rocket” by Jason Giambi. Why not bring him up for a few weeks? If he pitches well, you find a spot for him. If he struggles, you simply send him down to the minors for a little more seasoning. It’s a win-win situation. And besides, Hughes probably won’t miss starts because of a bruised ass like Pavano.
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Ryan,
You are right that the Yankees need to look at a couple of their young arms. That will start Tuesday when Chase Wright, a young lefty who was dominant in two AA starts, will pitch. They are also using Darrell Rasner and will have Jeff Karstens in the rotation — probably replacing Rasner — once he returns in about 2 weeks.
As for Hughes, I can’t agree that the Yanks should bring him up. He is only 20 and pitched just 145 innings last season. They have lots of other youngsters they can look at first before rushing him to the big leagues before he is ready, asking him to pitch too many innings and getting him hurt like Mark Prior or Francisco Liriano.
If he is indeed a ‘young Rocket’ he’ll be worth waiting for.
http://valentinesviews.blogspot.com/2007/04/yankee-pitching-mirrors-my-golf-game.html