Wednesday, April 1, 2009

To arms, Yankees!

You know what they say about good pitching winning games...

Right now, I'd have to say that Boston -- Curt Schilling or no Curt Schilling -- has the better pitching staff with Dice K, Brad Penny, Josh Beckett, John Smoltz, and Tim Wakefield.

The New York Yankees' CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, AJ Burnett, Chien Ming-Wang, and Joba Chamberlain look like a solid staff on paper. But right now, in case you've not seen them play in spring training, Wang still isn't up to snuff while Joba's lost his heater; absolutely no zip in his pitches.

Mariano Rivera, the team's Hall of Fame closer, is in the twilight of his career. He'll still be plenty good but can he still pitch in two innings or will he strictly come in the ninth?

New York Manager Joe Girardi will be under the spotlight as he will have to build on last year's failures. He should show management that their failure to grab a post-season seat; their first since 1994, was a fluke. For pitching relief, he has one more roster spot to fill. He's got three long releivers he could possibly add: Brett Tomko, Dan Giese, and Alfredo Aceves. If he doesn't get a utility player, look for Girardi to pencil in Tomko.

Five more days, Yankees. Four more 'til Opening Day.

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