Yanks Rotation

The Yankees rotation is filled with superstar arms. With CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Joba Chamberlin, and new pickups Michael Pineda from seatle and Hideki Okajima from the Red Sox they are as strong as anyone one. Joe Girandi has not said what the starting rotation will be besides saying that CC with be starting on opening day, which is pretty much a given. The rest though, is uncertain. This spring training is going to be very crucial for the pitchers.

Joba is coming off a season which did not end the way anyone hope for. Joba torn liggiments in his arm and had to get surgery. Joba had Tommy John surgery and has been rehabing since. According to Chamberlin his rehab has gone just as planned and is feeling good with his progress. He said this was the best thing that has ever happened to because he was able to watch his son's first day of school, adding that nothing is better then that. Starting next week Chamberlin will be throwing 35 pitches three times a week. This is a big step for him and spring training is even bigger for him.

Michael Pineda is one of my favorite pickups this off season. He is a great pitcher for one and two he has a great attitude. He is so excited to put the pinstripes on and pitch for the Yanks. He threw his first bullpen on friday and he said he felt good about it, that he feels comfortable there. Pineda wants to lose some weight before the regular and add a changeup to his list of weapons. If he can do both of these and keep his attitude I know he will be a key pitcher this year. 

Ivan Nova had a break out season last year with 16 wins. Every time he took the mound i was confident that we would be getting a win. With only 4 loses and an era of 3.7, will he be able to do the same this season? Nova wants to work on his change up as well and will be most likely competing for the number two spot in the rotation with Kuroda.Nova said though that he does not care what number pitcher is as long as he is there. Nova is 100 percent healthy after straining his arm at the end of the season last year and is excited for the season to start.

Hideki Okajima could be a great bullpen pitcher. He is very hit or miss though and that makes me nervous. With only playing in a couple games last year and how high is era is also is another reason I am worried. He needs to stay healthy and work on that era. He has to be a solid pitcher to come in after our great rotation just long enough to get Mariano in there. So far though it's not looking that way, he failed his physical and won't be reporting to spring training. Okajima will be starting off this season in the minor and hopefully ending up in the bullpen soon.

This years rotation could be leathal as long as everyone stays healthy and can pitch the potential they all have. With CC leading the pack doesnt't hurt either. He is one of the most dominate pirchers in the league. So if the others can feed off of his energy and the Yankees offensive can give them some run support all these pitcher could have 20 win seasons. Spring training has begun so in a matter of no time they will be pitching for the that trophy.