February 29, 2016
Happy LEAP Day ! It was a year ago today.. actually March 1, 2015 to be exact, that I wrote my first column
on this website. It was analysis of the upcoming Spring Training & 2015 Season.
I called the column “CORE FOUR NO MORE” pointing out it was the first time in 20 years that none of the core players of the dynasty
years would be part of the 2015 roster. ( to read the entire column … click here)
I believed that Dellin Betances would not be plagued by a sophomore jinx, and that signing Andrew Miller over David Robertson
was the right move, and because of it, the Yankee Bullpen would prove to be the biggest strength of the team.
My biggest concern at that time for the upcoming 2015 season? The Yankee starting rotation ! I called it …
“THE SORE FOUR”, citing the fact that Tanaka, Pineda, Sabathia and Nova each had significant health issues.
Well … both my confidence & concern turned out to be the reality in 2015, and amazingly, exactly one year later,
the situation is exactly the same.
This year with the addition of Aroldis Chapman, the Bullpen is obviously the biggest strength, but my concern is the same
as last year … getting to, & not burning out the bullpen.
Let’s take a quick look at top innings logged by starters in the last three Yankee Championship seasons:
2009 / Innings
CC 230
Burnett 207
Pettitte 194
2000 / Innings
Pettitte 204
Clemens 204
Hernandez 195
1999 / Innings
Hernandez 214
Cone 193
Pettitte 191
Now let’s take a look at last season:
2015 / Innings
Sabathia 167.1
Pineda 160.2
Tanaka 154.0
Nova 94.0
Every one of the “Sore Four” were on the DL at one point or another last year.
Even Nate Eovaldi, who was considered to be the one fully healthy starter, ended the season
on the DL ( 154.1 innings)
Luis Severino has “future-ace” written all over him, but he will be on an innings limit.
As the season goes along, Severino, despite being only 22 years old, could ascend to the top of the rotation,
but he will need support from others.
It takes a …
LEAP of Faith to believe that the 2016 Yankees will have three starters log 190 + innings.
Maybe they don’t need that with this bullpen, but they will need at least three of the veteran starters
to stay off the DL for the entire season (and hopefully post season).
Can it happen ? Well, it is a .. Leap Year !!
As always,
GO NYY !!
On a personal LEAP of Faith :
I would like to congratulate my nephew Gregg and his lovely wife Allie
on the birth of their healthy and beautiful son … Anthony Pinto !! ( 7 lb. 10 oz.)
Born on Feb. 29th, he is a true leap year baby.
Fun Fact : The U.S town that is the self-proclaimed leap year capital of the world
is … ANTHONY, Texas ( how fitting)
Speaking of Anthony .. a special congrats to my brother Anthony (proud Grandpa)
