RealGM

Last season, Hiroki Kuroda had a great first half of the season for the NY Yankees. 10-6 from April to July. July he was 3-0 with a ERA 0.55...then August 1-4, September 0-3 and an ERA 5.70. Basically he ran out of gas.

The outfield should be a little better now. Should help out a fly ball pitcher like Kuroda.

Still that signals that the Yanks believe Tanaka won't be available this year.

Essentially the Yanks will be trucking out: CC Sabbathia, David Phelps, Ivan Nova, along with Kuroda.

Will the offense be Enough?

Cmon Tanaka

I can't see the Yanks being serious about Phelps in the rotation, much less 2nd behind CC. They just invested $220 million to get back in the game...I would be surprised if they don't make a move for a front of the rotation starter (either Garza or some such via FA) or someone like Hamels (whom the Phillies apparently are shopping) via trade. Hamels had a rough start to begin the season but finished it strong. He's "only" got 5 years and $112.5 million left on his contract which will expire when he hits 35 (which is not too too bad). They can probably get Philly to pay for part of the salary if they give up something if they are afraid of the $22.5 million per salary against the tax.