The New York Yankees look to have a better, younger rotation in 2008 than last season. The rotation includes several familiar names from last season in Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, and Chien-Ming Wang. To balance out the veteran pitchers, the Yankees will also utilize Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy. As expected, their third top starting pitching prospect Joba Chamberlain will start the season in the bullpen, but should be able to step up and claim a starting role around the middle of the season.
Here is a rundown of the New York Yankees rotation for the 2008 season.
1. Andy Pettitte
Last season, Andy Pettitte had a solid season for the New York Yankees, acquiring 15 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 4.05. Pettitte used to be one of the premier left handed pitchers in the league, but has regressed as his career has gone on. He cannot be expected to be a ace-quality starter, but he can log major innings and keep the high scoring Yankees in ballgames. The knock on Pettitte is that he admitted to formerly using human growth hormone, so many analysts are unsure of his ability to continue contributing the number of innings he has in past seasons.
2. Chien-Ming Wang
Wang is no sexy name either, but he contributes an incredible amount to the New York Yankees year after year. Wang managed to win a stunning 19 games last season, and he could easily duplicate that number with the kind of run support the Yankees provide their starters. He has never been a dominating pitcher, as evidenced by his fairly low strikeout numbers, but he manages to keep runners off the bases with his deceptive pitching style. Wang is a good bet as the Yankees number 2, and should have a nice season.
3. Phil Hughes
Ready for some youth? Hughes is the Yankees top pitching prospect, and he was almost traded away to the Twins in the offseason for Johan Santana. There is a lot to like about the young Hughes. Firmly entrenched as the Yankees third starter, Hughes should manage to win at least 14 games if he can stay healthy for the duration of the season. Look for a nice strikeout total as well, and though he may be inconsistent in his first full go-around with the Yanks, he still projects to be a frontline #1 starting pitcher at his peak.
4. Mike Mussina
Mike “Moose” Mussina is 39, and it is amazing that this guy is still able to pitch in the Major Leagues at his old age. However, the Yankees are desperate for filling the back part of the rotation, and there is no doubt that Mussina can log some quality innings as his career gets closer to the end. He was fairly inconsistent last year, so look for some dominant and disaster starts from the veteran. However, he should provide a good veteran presence for the Yankees young pitchers and introduce/mentor them as they make their transition to the big leagues. That alone, makes Mussina an important part of the Yankees rotation.
5. Ian Kennedy
Ian Kennedy is a part of the Yankees’ “Big Three” pitching prospects, and with good reason. However, he doesn’t bring the stuff or the strikeout ability that his peers (Hughes, Chamberlain) bring, so he projects as a #3 starter at best in the future. He should have a good season this year and be able to win at least 10 games, but expect some growing pains. It would not be a surprise to see an ERA around 5.00 and a fairly high WHIP. Watch his progress closely: he could be quite a pitcher come midseason.
