tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Yankees Begin Hunt For 28th Championship

The New York Yankees opened up spring training yesterday as pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa to begin the quest for their 28th World Championship. On paper, their starting rotation is much better than it was a year ago when Sergio Mitre, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon were battling for a starting spot. However as we know, what's on paper means nothing when the games count just ask the 2011 Phillies and Red Sox.

When looking at the Yankee rotation, if CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda can pitch like they have in the past, then the Yanks will have a pretty solid 1-2 punch. Of course, it will be interesting to see how Kuroda makes the transition from the National League to the American League. Last season, Sabathia's knee gave him trouble in the second half and in the playoffs and the Yankees have discussed with him the need to keep his weight under control. Sabathia also indicated that he would have to figure out a way to deal with a six-man rotation if it happens again this year. An interesting comment from CC and one that indicates to me that Joe Girardi's playing around with the rotation late last year didn't help his ace.

The rest of the rotation will be filled out by Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda, Phil Hughes or Freddy Garcia. In the first 3, the Yankees have young arms that if they progress the way their potential would indicate, the Bombers rotation could be set for years to come. With young pitchers you never know what to expect but all three of these guys have the talent to succeed. For Phil Hughes, this year is a critical one. After making the AL All-Star team in 2010, Hughes faltered in the second half of 2010 and had a terrible 2011. It is believed that he was out of shape in 2011 and could be the reason for the decline in his fast ball. Reportedly he is in camp in great shape and time will tell if his fast ball can consistently crack 93-95 mph. If it can, the Yanks rotation will be solid.

With AJ Burnett traded to Pittsburgh, the Yankees are now setting their sites on a DH preferrably someone to face right-handed pitchers. There has been plenty of reports indicating that they are focused on Raul Ibanez. Not sure I'm all that crazy about Ibanez. Many have talked about bringing Johnny Damon back but I think Damon would be looking at getting more ABs than the Yankees would be looking to give him. Hideki Matsui is another possibility but GM Brian Cashman has said that they want someone who can play some outfield if necessary and Matsui's knees limit his ability to do that. As a result, the Yankees might not have many other options besides Ibanez.

There is also reports that the Yanks are interested in bring Eric Chavez back and Chavez wants to come back. I think that bringing Chavez back would be a good move as the guy can hit and fill in at third when giving ARod a rest. In addition, Chavez can also play a little first base if necessary. Speaking of ARod, I believe that he will play around 110-120 games at third base. The Yankees need his power and ability to drive in runs. If he can't drive off his legs then his power numbers will go down as was evidenced last season. Giving him more DH opportunities should take some stress off his hip and knees.

As we all know, championships are not won on paper but on the field. A lot of things can happen over the course of a 162 game schedule particularly with an aging starting lineup. But the key to the season will be those three young arms. If Pineda, Nova and Hughes can consistently give the Yankees quality starts, any issues with an aging starting lineup will be covered and give the Yankees a good shot of capturing Number 28.