Bleeding Yankee Blue: ARE THE YANKEES EXPECTATIONS FOR JAMESON TAILLON TOO HIGH?

Monday, November 1, 2021

ARE THE YANKEES EXPECTATIONS FOR JAMESON TAILLON TOO HIGH?

The Yankees took a lot of chances this season with their starting rotation. On paper it looked scary after Gerrit Cole, but it panned out better than expected. I still think the Yankees need a real number two pitcher behind Cole and they can't afford to gamble.

But they might. Last winter the Yankees picked up James Taillon hoping they were getting a number two after a scout hyped him up. It was a risky move that didn't pan out the way the Yankees had hoped. It was a gamble after recovering from Tommy John twice, and now he is recovering from right ankle surgery.

Now I really do like the potential Taillon has, so I can see why the scout was so high on him but realistically....are the Yankees expectations for Taillon too high? We are talking about a pitcher with two TJ surgeries and now recovering from an ankle. His 2021 started off rough, he rebounded towards the end of the season and the season prior to that he didn't pitch at all. The Yankees shouldn't expect him to be number two or even number three starter. How can they gamble on getting 20+ starts from him next season?

I don't think it is wise. I like his determination and his guts a lot. He's the guy you want to see on the mound because you know he has the right attitude....but does he have the physical ability? I don't think you can comfortably say he does. The Yankees should hope for the best next season and hope he fully recovers and can be the reliable and productive starter but they can't go into 2022 expecting that.

We all really want to see Taillon succeed, but if the Yankees don't manage their expectations with Taillon next season then they will be doing themselves and Taillon a disservice. The Yankees HOPE he will be ready for some portion of Spring Training, but it's possible he will miss all of it.

I hope the Yankees are making preparations NOW and won't be scrambling for Plan G later. The Yankees have a lot of needs this winter, and they need to make sure they don't get too comfortable and set unrealistic expectation for Taillon. I think he will be an important piece to the Yankees success next season as long as the Yankees don't blow it.

For now, rest up Taillon, we are all pulling for you.