I am very excited about this seasons starting pitching rotation! The Yankees have 5 guys who can possibly win 15 games each, maybe even more. It is a big goal to accomplish, but if these pitchers live up to their true talent and stay healthy, it COULD happen. The Yankees starting rotation looks something like this (not in order):
1) CC Sabathia
2) AJ Burnett
3) Chien Ming Wang
4)Andy Pettitte
5) Joba Chamberlain
CC Sabathia: One of the top pitchers in the league. I think he will do well as long as the pressure in NY doesn't get to him...like it has to many great ballplayers in the past. It will be difficult for newcomers to win 15 games, but with this type of talent, I believe its definitely possible. He has done it before.
AJ Burnett: Lead the league in strikeouts last year and also won 18 games for a Toronto team who greatly lacked defensive skill. I think the issue with Burnett will be his health. If this guy stays healthy and in the rotation, he can easily win 15 + games.
Andy Pettitte: A player who has definitely proved his worth over the years. He has proven that he can consistently achieve this. Last year Andy was the number 3 starter, but due to injuries, he became one of the only regular starters at a certain point. This put a lot of pressure on him to be perfect all the time. This year, their isn't AS much pressure on his shoulders. If he plays up to his ability, Andy has proven he can win 15 games for sure.
Chien Ming Wang: Similar situation to Pettitte. Wang isn't bothered by the pressure in NY and can win 15+ games this season if he stays in good health. Wang had back to back 19 wins per season when he was facing other teams aces (number one starters). This year he will probably get the 3 spot. This could make a big difference and make getting 15+ wins easier. And how many ground ball outs WILL this guy get?!
Joba Chamberlain: It may be more difficult for Joba to pick up 15 wins as compared to the rest of the line up. The main reason I say this is because he is young and new fairly new to starting games. He is a young kid with AMAZING talent. He has proven it time and time again pitching from the bullpen as set up man. I hope he can bring the same performance to the table as a starter. He may even not start all of the time because of limited innings (and pitch counts). This could be a problem, but his CAPABILITY of winning 15 games is not my main concern. I do have expectations of him winning in the double digits.
FIVE AMAZING PITCHERS. If they stay healthy, pitch at their highest level, and don't let the pressure get to them.... what is to stop them each from winning MANY games this 2009 season?
LETS GO YANKEES
My only issue with the lineup is chien ming wang. To me, he has never lived up to the hype that he had when he was first signed. He's always missing days and when he does play, he does subpar
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