Despite the pressure and media microscope, pitching for the Yankees lately has had its advantages as the Bombers have led the league in either home runs or runs scored (or both) in each of the last four seasons. That may not be the case in 2013 as the Yankees will be without Swisher, Martin, Ibanez and A-Rod, so the room for error will be smaller.
Starting Rotation
(note: grades are based on rotation spot comparison, i.e. ace vs. other aces, 2 vs. 2)
Ace: C.C. Sabathia (A-)
2. Huroki Kuroda (A-)
3. Andy Pettitte (B)
4. Phil Hughes (B-)
5. Ivan Nova (C)
In the mix: David Phelps, Adam Warren
Down the road: Michael Pineda
For the Yankees to contend at the top of the division CC must be healthy and effective. There is no doubt that Sabathia is the ace, but he has not been dominant like he was early in his career or when compared to the other top-of-the-rotation arms. He has been great and dependable, always going 8 or 9 innings whether he has his best stuff or not, giving an overused bullpen a break every five days. But he is not dominant or overpowering like Price, Verlander, King Felix, or Weaver. CC is 32, has thrown a bajillion innings and is coming off elbow surgery in the offseason after having some arm problems in 2012, so there is definitely a wee bit of uncertainty. But even at 85%, he is still good for 220 innings, 18 wins, and a 3.30 ERA. You just wonder how long that body will hold up.
Kuroda just had his 38th birthday last week and Pettitte is on the wrong side of 40. If they are on you know what you can expect: Kuroda = 7 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs; Pettitte = 6 innings, 7 hits, 3 runs. Kuroda can pitch like an ace; he was stellar in June and August last year and overall pitched much better than his meager record may show. Bad things happen when pitchers get old; Yankees are hoping these horses make it through this year intact.
Phil Hughes does not exude dependability. Like AJ Burnett (before his total meltdown) he does fine and then gets bombed for 6 runs in 3 innings every four or five starts. He has won 16 and 18 games in the last three years but he has had an ERA well over 4. Hey, for the Bombers #4 starter he doesn’t have to be a hero; just make it into the 7th inning without getting shelled and take advantage of good run support.
(UPDATE: Phil Hughes is dealing with a bulging disk in his back. That's not a comforting start. So the rotation now has their ace coming off elbow surgery, a guy with a bulging disk, and two senior citizens. Ugh...)
The last two years we’ve seen Ivan Nova at his best (2011) and worst (2012). Of all pitchers in baseball, Nova allowed the highest OPS (on base percentage plus slugging) in the league. He got hit hard and often. Hopefully this was just a sophomore slump and he can get closer to his 16-4, 3.70 from 2011. If he struggles David Phelps is ready to take his place, so he definitely has some pressure early on. Speaking of Phelps, he is a young, quality long reliever who showed an ability to start if needed. There is depth if someone in the rotation goes down.
Hopefully no more than one starter will miss significant time before the All-Star break because Michael Pineda could be available around then. I know his reputation since donning Pinstripes is lacking, but a couple years ago in Seattle he was very effective, holding opponents to a .211 batting average, ERA of 3.74 and averaging a strikeout per inning as a rookie. He could provide some second half strength for this aging rotation.
Overall Grade: B+
Pitching Depth: B-
Biggest Strength: Stability
Biggest Concern: Age at the top
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