Yankees: The Big Enigma

The big question is who will be the Yankees #5 starter.  The big enigma is Michael Pineda, who is one of the candidates.   As you'll recall, Pineda was acquired from Seattle a little over two years ago with visions of a current #2 and future ace dancing around the Yankee FO's heads.  Turns out he had a bad shoulder, and, thus far hasn't thrown a pitch for the big league club.

He did; however, pitch a bit in the minors last year before being shutdown for no identifiable reason.  Early word out of Tampa is that he is in great shape (hearing that about CC, too) and could finally be ready to pitch for the Yanks.  That would be huge.  This is a guy who has shown signs of dominance before injury.  We'll have to see where his velo is.   Marchand and Matthews have it as 94/5, while it used to be 97 and higher.   We'll see if if can come all the way back, but 94/5 is something he can work with, hopefully, if that's all he ever recovers.

Speaking of 94/5 both Phelps and Warren have hit that in games, though they generally work a bit lower and will be in the mix for the 5th spot and long man roles.  Phelps and Warren were both pretty good college picks, and Phelps, especially has looked like someone who might have a good career was a starter, and might even be some NL teams' number 3 someday.   I don't think the Yanks would let him be a number three, but he sure has pitched with some poise so far.   Warren has had a little less, though has shown some innings of clarity.   I think he's most likely for long man of AAA.   I think #5 is really between Pineda and Phelps.   If Phelps or Pineda loses, they should actually go to AAA to stay stretched out in case one of the starters needs time off.   Warren would then be the long man.

I hope they don't try to turn any of them into short relievers after that worked so well with Hughes and Joba (rolls eyes).