With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa, Florida in one week, its never too early to get some news on the uncertainty of the Yankees’ rotation. Per a report from Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Masahiro Tanaka began throwing off a mound today for the first time since his October surgery to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow. Even though Brian Cashman claims this is an issue that dates back to Tanaka’s days in Japan, it is hard to feel confident knowing Tanaka tore his UCL back in 2014 and Tommy John Surgery was never performed to mend the ligament. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild spoke to the New York Post regarding the Tanaka situation and stated that “his throwing program was right on target.” Obviously its hard to judge a full season outlook based on one throwing session but Rothschild’s assurance that the righty is on par with his normal schedule sheds a little light on an otherwise cloudy part of the team.
Another member of the staff who has a lot to prove in the upcoming season is CC Sabathia. Sabathia’s off the field issues are well documented, as he checked himself into rehab for alcohol abuse the day before the Bronx Bombers hosted the Astros in a do or die playoff game. While we all wish Sabathia the best in overcoming his demons, we can’t sit here and forgive what has turned out to be a truly awful back end of his contract. After going a combined 74-29 with a 3.22 ERA, three all-star appearances, and a key role in the 2009 World Series run in the first four years of his deal, CC has turned into a huge liability for the Yanks. Posting win-loss records of 14-13, 3-4, & 6-10 in 2013, 2014, & 2015 respectively, it is hard to swallow the fact that he makes $23 million per year. All the folks in the Bronx can hope for is for Sabathia to turn back the clock a little bit and be a serviceable number 5 starter. With Tanaka, Luis Severino, Nathan Eovaldi, and Michael Pineda all ahead in the pecking order now, there is no reason to demand too much out of the big lefty. JUST KEEP US IN GAMES. This is what makes the word out of Tampa today slightly refreshing. In the same discussion with the New York Post mentioned above, Rothschild also noted that Sabathia was down at the Yankees’ complex last week and “looks better than I’ve seen him in a few years.” Now I know what you’re thinking, what the hell is he going to say? But in Rothschild’s tenure with the Yankees one thing I have noticed is that he is not one to shy away from giving an honest opinion, so this is better news than hearing something along the lines of, “We have a long way to go.”
Outside of the two biggest question marks, it is important to note that the other three projected starting pitchers, Severino, Pineda, and Eovaldi, are all already down in Tampa getting a head start on their preseason workouts. Let us hope, pray, and do whatever rituals you believe in that this shows that they are highly motivated this year and that the injury bug stays away from these five arms. Because with a healthy rotation this year, I believe the sky is the limit for this team.
Nothing But Pinstripes 