The ACE That Beats Any Hand

Want to know the ace? Over the past week there were several blogs written about the report of pitchers and catchers to spring training. The Yankees have 3 set in stone returning starters from last season. With the recent addition of dominant pitcher, Javier Vasquez, the Yankees look to add more fire power and depth to an already successful rotation. More towards the beginning of spring training talks, Vasquez was rumored for his “lack of interest” in playing much longer. It was said that he wasn’t planning to be that guy who pitches until 40 years of age and plans to do other things with his future after baseball. Coming to a conclusion of rumors, mainly family related, Vasquez has a revamped attitude and is totally stoked about being the 4th starter in the Yankee rotation. Vasquez has even requested to throw early bullpens to prepare his mental and physical drive into the upcoming season.

On another note, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are still the main candidates for the possible 5th starter in this season’s Yankee rotation. Personally I liked Joba up until the mid to latter parts of last season. His control became an issue and his consistency was unpredictable. He was either blowing it by hitters or blowing the game away. It will be interesting to see what he can produce this spring training. However, as for Phil Hughes, he was a guy we considered releasing a couple seasons ago in a trade deal. But the Yankees held on to Hughes and it has paid off. He was a key contributor once relief pitcher Brian Bruney was troubled with injuries last season. Hughes spent time throughout last season making a name for himself again. He was consistent in the later innings which helped the Yankees close out must win games. Therefore, these wins helped contribute towards keeping the Red Sox in second and helping us clinch the division in first place. Our bullpen is probably one of the weaker parts to our team. It has been inconsistent with injuries and pitchers who bounce in and out of the lineup.

As mentioned in the opening line, “Want to know the ace?” CC Sabathia is hands down THE ACE of the Yankees rotation. I do not have to follow a blog to know the answer to this question. However, Chad Jennings, fellow blogger of the LoHud Yankee blog I follow, spoke on Sabathia's behalf that he is yet ready to pitch another long and full season. Jennings wrote:

Counting the playoffs, Sabathia pitched more than 240 innings for a third straight season, but he said it’s too early in his career to think about cutting back to save his arm. Sabathia doesn’t mind pitching on short rest and wouldn’t mind pitching into November again. Jennings said.

“I’ll do it every year,” he said. “I’ve got no problem with that.” Sabathia said.

As for how his ace manages such a workload every season, Joe Girardi compared Sabathia to Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Jennings said.

Jennings is simply pointing out that Sabathia stands out amongst the Yankee rotation with his ability to pitch a full season with consistency. If you look at Sabathia’s past, he is good on short rest and still supplies win after win without a sore arm. The guy has a rubber arm I think. Jennings also pointed out within his blog in the opening paragraph how Sabathia only waited 3 weeks to begin throwing after the World Series. This is a sign of a true ace. He is also a player that has a passion and love for the game, his team, and appreciates his salary. In order to appreciate Jennings argument of Sabathia being the Yankee ace, it has helped the fans knowledge with the facts and in depth following of Sabathia’s off season work that Jennings has provided. I say this in agreement with Jennings, Sabathia simply is the ace because he wants to be. It is up for grabs within any rotation on any team. However, whoever has the most determination to put in the extra work is going to be the pitcher that will solidify the “ACE” spot on a pitching staff.

As mentioned previously, Vasquez may throw bullpens early, but were his rumored talks 3 weeks after his previous season more important than his upcoming season? This is the difference between Sabathia and Vasquez my friends. Also, Vasquez is a new addition so he still has to go through his trial and tribulations in the Bronx. Also mentioned in one of my previous blogs, if Vasquez can’t back his efforts for his early work, the Bronx is a jungle that will eat him right out of New York. To even consider becoming the ace, Vasquez would need to earn his pinstripes first. This will come with his first dominant must need win and could come against any team within the division, preferably the Boston Red Sox.

Later this week look for more updated pitching news and Chan Ho Park in New York?