New York Yankees Are The Class Of The American League
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the Evil Empire was. The New York Yankees were quiet this offseason, watching for once as other teams overpaid players in free agency. It’s the middle of January, and the Yankees hadn’t even made a major free agent signing! Were the Yankees simply trying to keep their payroll down, or was Brian Cashman truly content to enter 2012 without any major changes? Last night, we were reminded why the Yankees are the most dominant team in the American League.
The Yankees rotation was the weakest area of the team heading into the 2012 season. Last year they received solid performances out of Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon. Expecting all three of them to continue to pitch at a high level was unlikely. And for a team with a goal of a championship each year, were the Yankees truly comfortable throwing out any of these names in a playoff game?
Acquiring Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero gives the Yankees something they haven’t had in years – a club controlled, cheap, and high ceiling starter. Pineda slots in behind CC Sabathia, a rare combination of a flamethrower with pinpoint control at such a young age. Pineda struck out more than a batter per inning last season, and that potential will give him a chance to dominate for the Yankees. As a flyball pitcher Pineda is likely to give up more home runs, especially when he’s trading one of the best pitchers parks in the AL (Safeco) for the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium. Pineda should be a force for the Yankees, and significantly more valuable than the likely DH they traded in Jesus Montero. While it’s expected that Montero will be an outstanding hitter, if he can’t catch than his upside is limited to that of a first baseman or DH.
One blockbuster move for the Yankees wasn’t enough. They had to show why everybody fears the Evil Empire, as they signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one year deal worth approximately $10 million. Kuroda’s an older pitcher, but he’s been downright dominant during his time with the Dodgers. Over the past two seasons he’s averaged a 3.23 ERA, while striking out over 7K/9 and walking 2.2 BB/9. He’s shown strong groundball tendencies throughout his career, which should lead to greater success in Yankee Stadium.
As of right now, the Yankees have to be considered the favourites in the American League. They were second in the majors in runs scored last season, and with their DH slot available they can sign someone like Carlos Pena to give them the toughest lineup in the game. The Yankees had the best bullpen in the majors last season, and not just because of Mariano Rivera. David Robertson is one of the best relievers in baseball, striking out over 13K/9, while posting a 1.08 ERA (1.84 FIP) last season. They got solid production out of Boone Logan, and there’s a chance Joba Chamberlain could return this season. A rebound season from Rafael Soriano would give the Yankees a 3 headed monster at the back of their bullpen.
When you combine all that with the new rotation, which could also feature Ivan Nova, AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon, it’s clear that the Yankees remain the class of the American League.
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