Yanks (23-13) @ Cleveland Tribe (20-15): Double Header
Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 11:59 am
Yanks should be enjoying a day off and their return home but they have to stop in Cleveland to make up for 2 games lost during the back to back rain that postponed half their four game set against the Tribe. Pair of kids, Phelps and Nuno will get a chance to show their stuff.
What is worth considering is how many injuries this team has sustained and yet, continues to compete from First Place. Let's look at that list:
SS Derek Jeter (out till All-Star break)
3B/1B Kevin Youkilis (15 day DL)
1B Mark Teixiera (Out till end of June)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Out till whenever)
CF Curtis Granderson (could return as early as Tues)
SP Michael Pineda (Out till after All-Star Break)
SP Ivan Nova (15 day DL)
I mean, WOW...practically enough to make an infield of injuries. 2 young arms.
I think the return of Mariano Rivera with 15 saves is the story. 7-1 in one run games. Something about this team that has fight.
I still say, Pineda is the KEY to this season. If he pitches well in his debut as a Yankee during the regular season, the Yanks will have a VERY formidable 1-4 rotation: Kuroda, CC Sabbathia, Pettitte...and Pineda. That can afford Hughes to be in the pen during the playoffs.
What is Pineda's ceiling is the determining factor. I believe Yanks will start him off as the #4 pitcher in the rotation but this kid could EASILY be #3 if he has that change up to go with his other 2 pitches.
For now, Yanks will have to see what they have tonight...
What is worth considering is how many injuries this team has sustained and yet, continues to compete from First Place. Let's look at that list:
SS Derek Jeter (out till All-Star break)
3B/1B Kevin Youkilis (15 day DL)
1B Mark Teixiera (Out till end of June)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Out till whenever)
CF Curtis Granderson (could return as early as Tues)
SP Michael Pineda (Out till after All-Star Break)
SP Ivan Nova (15 day DL)
I mean, WOW...practically enough to make an infield of injuries. 2 young arms.
I think the return of Mariano Rivera with 15 saves is the story. 7-1 in one run games. Something about this team that has fight.
I still say, Pineda is the KEY to this season. If he pitches well in his debut as a Yankee during the regular season, the Yanks will have a VERY formidable 1-4 rotation: Kuroda, CC Sabbathia, Pettitte...and Pineda. That can afford Hughes to be in the pen during the playoffs.
What is Pineda's ceiling is the determining factor. I believe Yanks will start him off as the #4 pitcher in the rotation but this kid could EASILY be #3 if he has that change up to go with his other 2 pitches.
For now, Yanks will have to see what they have tonight...
