American League East – New York Yankees – Blaine Blontz
- Why the Yankees Will Win the World Series
Last season, the New York Yankees tallied the second most wins in the majors in spite of their pitching. While their bullpen was exceptional, New York’s starting staff was league average at best. Yankees starters finished the 2011 season ranked 14th in ERA (4.03) and innings pitched, and opposing hitters mustered an OPS of .741 against them.
This season, the Yankees are poised to win a comparable number of games thanks in part to their pitching staff. General manager Brian Cashman said he wanted to avoid walking the tight rope this season. He’s seemed to accomplish this, at least to start the season, by adding several high-profile arms to his team’s arsenal. New York re-signed Freddy Garcia, acquired Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda, and lured Andy Pettitte out of retirement.
Oh, and the Yankees are fielding much of the same offense that finished first in the majors in home runs (222), second in runs scored, and third in OPS (.788)
- Why the Yankees Will Not Win the World Series
I’m going to play the age card here. Two members of the five members of New York’s Opening Day starting rotation are 35 or older. I know Pineda is expected to join the mix once he recovers from injury, but you also have to consider the 39-year-old Pettitte. Mariano Rivera appears to be ageless, but it’s worth noting that New York’s closer is 42.
On the offensive side of things Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter are no longer spring chickens and I think Raul Ibanez was featured on the cover of last month’s AARP magazine.
Pineda’s already injured, and no one knows what Phil Hughes will offer this season. It’s also to be determined if Garcia can provide an encore of last season’s efforts. Ivan Nova was impressive for the Yankees last season, but he’s still an unproven starter.
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