WHY PITCHING WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Through an off season of drama, disgust, and disappointment, it is almost time for Pitchers and Catchers. That being said, I do not have as much confidence as I've had in the Bronx bombers in years past. The offense looks great, and will once again be a top 3 offense in the Major Leagues. The bullpen looks great with Mariano Rivera and Rafael Soriano. In fact, any bullpen with that 1, 2 punch would be great. But, the one part of the Yankees that lacks, and perhaps the most important part, is starting pitching. You've heard about it a ton this year, now let's break it down:

• Carsten Charles Sabathia: You can't go wrong with CC at the front of any rotation. Look for him to compete for the Cy Young for the 3rd year in a row.


• Allan James Burnett: In the 2009 off season when the Yankees signed him, he seemed to be a huge asset. In 2009 he had an inconsistent year, but when it really counted in Game 2 of the World Series, he out dueled Pedro for the "V". 2010 was a completely different story. He started off stronger than ever but he let his mind get to him, finishing 10-15 and being left off of the ALDS starting rotation. Look for AJ to have a bounce back year with new pitching coach Larry Rothschild nursing him like a new born baby.

• Philip Hughes: The #1 Yankees prospect of the 2000's has finally cemented himself in the big leagues, and is very effective doing so! He won 18 last year for the Yanks and is a very good #3 starter. The only problem is that he is a fly ball pitcher in one of the smallest parks in the Major Leagues. Look for him to have a similar year to last year.


• Ivan Nova: I never heard of him before last year when he was called up to the Bronx. He is still very young but I like his stuff. He has a nasty curve ball and a solid fastball. I like him in the 4 spot and hopefully he will pay off.


• UNKNOWN: This is the one spot that really worries me. Quite simply, nobody knows who will man the #5 spot. Could it be a prospect like Andrew Brackman, D.J. Mitchell, Hector Noesi, David Phelps, or Adam Warren? Could it be a somewhat washed up veteran looking for a 2nd chance like Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia? Hell, it might even be Joba or Mark Prior who are both said to definitely be competing for a bullpen spot this year. My pick? Freddy Garcia.

The Yankees rotation looks weaker than most years. I see them as a playoff team, and perhaps better if Burnett, Nova, and that "unknown" 5th spot are effective. If they are, they can be a competitor. Pitching beats hitting, the old baseball cliche is true once again.

In the next day or so, I'll break down the starting lineup as we inch closer to an exciting spring training.

Will Cohen BYB Freelance Writer





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