YANKS AT THE MERCY OF TANAKA'S SUCCESS OR FAILURE

 (Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

I hate the way that headline sounds.  I don't want to be at the mercy of anyone or anyone's fate and I don't want the Yankees to be either.  But unfortunately, we are at the mercy of other's performances in life and in sport and we are at the mercy of our own.

  (Source: Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports)

                                                            
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Daily News, "If Tanaka repeats his 14-4, 3.07 ERA season, he most assuredly will opt out or threaten to opt out, leveraging a clause in Year 4 of his seven-year, $155 million contract. If Tanaka struggles in 2017 or, worse, is severely injured, then he likely would stay on to finish out the final three seasons of his deal."  That sounds like a lose-lose for the Yankees.  And here is another nugget for you to chew on: The Bronx Bombers have no other veteran pitchers signed to long term deals passed 2017.  As Marchand explains to Yankee readers, "Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia are free agents after this upcoming season. Luis Severino took a huge step backward last year. Bryan Mitchell, Luis Cessa and Chad Green have a total of 25 starts between them. Adam Warren has proved to be better as a swingman than a regular starter."

                                                                                  
So when Brian Cashman says we need some starters, we need some starters.  And as much as I hate to admit it, and I don't know if this is the place to do so, but Tony Romo had some wise words to share with regards to his diminishing role as a starting quarter back for the Dallas Cowboys.

"Here you are, sidelined without any real ability to help your teammates win on the field," Romo said. "That's when you're forced to come face to face with what is happening. Seasons are fleeting and games become more precious. Chances for success diminish. Your potential successor has arrived."  Could this be Tanaka next year?  Are we at the mercy of Tanaka's successes or failures?

(Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

I have always been of the belief of "next guy in" when someone falls to an injury or is unable to perform at his/her best for whatever reason.  But in a game like baseball, where you are paid an exorbitant amount of money, you are sort of "stuck with" the guy who is getting the obnoxious pay check even if he sits the bench while you pay another guy to take his place at the same time.  Romo could move on to another team or stay with the Cowboys as a coach on the sidelines.  What role would Tanaka have if he doesn't pitch or can't pitch?

(Source: Getty Images)

I like to live in the positive, glass half full world.  I have a growth mindset, but when I read Marchand's article, I threw in the towel.  I am hopeful that we win with a young, growing pitching staff.  I don't really like Chris Sale and Rich Hill.  And I don't want to be at the mercy of Tanaka.  So I am rooting for him to do well and let fate do the rest.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof