WHY BASEBALL IS A GAME OF RISK AND REWARD

(photo: US Presswire)
You know, it's funny, as soon as the New York Yankees were spurned by Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte hung it up, Brian Cashman had to do something, and quick. Most of the marquee starting pitching names were all signed and there were a few low risk veterans available, by the names of Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia, and Kevin Millwood. At the time, we had no idea what we'd get, so low risk was what we called them, but they were veterans who knew how to pitch so we threw Colon and Garcia into the mix in Spring training and let them loose with kids like Ivan Nova. Mission? Compete for the 4th and 5th spots... the Yankees had nothing to lose.In the end of Spring and the beginning of the season, Bartolo Colon had and has proven to everyone that he had the heart and talent to be part of the Yankees rotation, especially with Hughes struggling. Freddy Garcia was named 5th starter when the season began and his veteran experience has paid off so far. As far as Millwood is concerned, in his most recent minor league start last night, he was shelled for six earned runs over just two innings. Hardball Talk has written that with that horrendous start at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankee and Millwood could part ways. Read it HERE. Millwood has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out on May 1st. There is a suggestion that the Yanks may just cut ties.

The point is, the Yankees have taken chance on low risk pitching and some have developed into high rewards. While it's never really been the Yankee way, Cashman looks good, and he should, he's saving money and he's guys a chance and they are taking advantage of that chance any way they can. Let's just hope these guys continue their journey to victory and don't break down. As Casey says, it will be the story of 2011. Let's hope so.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.