Tuesday, May 16, 2017

The Cole Hard Truth...

Credit:  Elsa/Getty Images
The Yankees are in first place in the American League East so it might be a bit premature to scream, “the sky is falling”, but frankly, the starting rotation scares the h**l out of me and not in a good way.

The last five starts look like this:


In terms of numbers, the results are just as ugly:

1 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 8 runs/earned runs, 1 BB, 3 K’s, 4 home runs
2 1/3 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs/earned runs, 3 BB, 2 K’s
6 innings, 8 hits, 4 runs/earned runs, 1 BB, 7 K’s, one home run
6 2/3 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs/earned runs, 1 BB, 7 K’s, one home run
6 innings, 7 hits, 5 runs/earned runs, 2 BB, 2 K’s

So, for 22 2/3 innings of work, Yankee starters have given up 23 runs.  If you want to heavily tax a bullpen, I give you the New York Yankees starting rotation.  It’s no wonder that we started to see some cracks in the armor this past week.  Michael Pineda has probably been the most consistent pitcher.  He’s the only one that threw a so-called “quality” start and that’s a scary thought.  

I saw one tweet that said the Yankees need to trade for Gerrit Cole or Chris Archer before the trading deadline.  As much as I like Chris Archer, I don’t think the Tampa Bay Rays would trade him within the division without a serious overpay.  That’s why Cole remains high on my priority list.  The Pirates are currently in last place in the NL Central and going nowhere fast.  Cole is presently 1-4 but has a better ERA than any Yankees starter (3.06).  In 50 innings, he has only given up 43 hits, 17 earned runs, 7 HR’s, and 10 walks.  He has struck out 47 batters.  Cole, 26, is currently paid $3.75 million with two years of arbitration eligibility remaining.  I don’t care that he’ll be a free agent in 2020.  This is an opportunity to kick the tires, so long as it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (in other words, Gleyber Torres).  Outside of Torres, no one is untouchable and the Yankees should put together a package that works for both sides.  

Credit:  Ross D Franklin/Associated Press
The Boston Red Sox keep scuffling but knowing that they can throw out Chris Sale every five days keeps them a prime threat.  The Yankees need one of those kind of guys.  I know, aces are not grown on trees but GM Brian Cashman is a creative guy.  He can make some magic to bring help for the rotation.  I thought CC Sabathia was the weak link in the rotation but there are no guarantees in any spot.  Every time a pitcher posts an ugly line, the comment is always how the pitches weren’t working.  When do we hold the pitcher, and not the pitches, accountable?  The Yankees need an anchor in the rotation.  With the promise of the young offense, intermixed with the veteran influence, a decent starting rotation could carry this team to October.  Chance Adams, would you hurry up and get your butt to the Bronx?…

Credit:  Patrick Teale
Today finds the Yankees in the City of Fountains.  They begin a three game set in Kansas City before making their way to their home away home in Tampa.  The scheduled pitching matchups are:

TODAY
Yankees:  CC Sabathia (2-2, 5.77 ERA)
Royals:  Jason Hammel (1-4, 5.97 ERA)

WEDNESDAY
Yankees:  Michael Pineda (3-2, 3.27 ERA)
Royals:  Jason Vargas (5-1, 1.01 ERA)

THURSDAY
Yankees:  Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 4.19 ERA)
Royals:  Danny Duffy (2-3, 3.38 ERA)

These games are winnable regardless of the great start that Jason Vargas has gotten off to.  We just need to concentrate on one pitch at a time.  Objective:  To miss bats and or least only allow balls to be hit to positional players in proper fielding position without touching the ground.  C’mon, how hard can that be?…

Have a great Tuesday!  Let's have a royal good time!

2 comments:

  1. Let me break down this article for fans who may not really understand what your asking.
    1. You stated every prospect available other then Torres for a Cole trade?
    Issue: you have no idea how the Yanks rank there prospects long term.
    2- you say Cole is better then everyone they have?
    Issue- Cole isn't even best pitcher on Pirates. You know who is? Former Yankee Ivan Nova. In fact you go on to almost compare Cole to Sale. Cole is no ace and had only one year with top rotation stats. In fact you do realize Cole pitches in weakest division and league in baseball. So you gave us all Coles numbers but putting in the AL and add a run plus tonthat ERA. Are you still eillling to deal fir a pitcher with a plus 4 era and give up whatever it takes other then Torres.
    Cmon guys, people read this and without really studying the game and facts a trade like this gutting our farm can set us back long term. Pitchers are extremely volatile and if there is nothing else you learn today is you don't trade a chunk of the farm unless your one pitcher away for feeling you can win it all. The Yanks are not there just yet and we don't know which prospects are worthy of long time success. So hold off on your fantasy trade requests because fans like you that lack real patience is not what's needed right now.
    In conclusion, yes Cole is young with only a few years left until free agency but he barely has shown Ace like stuff in the weakest division to pitch in in pitchers parks. Put him in AL east and what is he? Then he starts pressing and overthrowing and that's how injuries happen and then you will print an article calling fir Cashman head!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. unocinco....! I like it!
      Trading any of our (so called) top 10 players is a big mistake unless one can get a Game Changer in return. A player such as Machado is a game changer! We have plenty of outfielders so we could trade one of our top OF'ers along with another player or two for him...depending on the players.
      Until I know what we have on the farm (for sure) I would go with what we have. One more year of playing time can make a difference.

      Please Cashman, talk to Hal and make him see the advantage of Benching/cutting or trading CC.

      Delete

Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)