Arm Trouble in the Bronx?

The New York Yankees, coming off their first decade without a World Series appearance in franchise history, seemed to be poised to make a deep run with their talented offensive fire power. However, about two weeks into the season, they sit at 5-5 headed into tonights game with Toronto. I get it, its not time to panic its a long season, Probably to0 long, if I was Rob Manfred I would look in to that...just saying. The question for the Bronx Bombers is not their hitting, but a matter of if their pitching staff is good enough to make a run at title #28? After Gerrit Cole it seems to be awfully shaky. Let go through the rotation starting with their Cy Young-caliber ace.

1. Gerrit Cole

Safe to say you know what you're getting here. The nine year vet has been nothing but a stud since starting his career in Pittsburgh. Coming off a good season as far as ERA goes he is off to another hot start this year. He's had three starts thus far going 2-0 while striking out 29 batters in just 18.1 innings pitched. The 29:3 strikeout to walk ratio is worth noting as well. He struggled with the HR ball at times in 2020 but his start this year is promising. Every 5 days will of course hold even more magnitude if the rest of the rotation is not up to par.

2. Corey Kluber

The two-time Cy Young winner with the Indians was a low risk, high reward scenario for the Yankees who signed him on a one year deal for just $11 million, it seems like a lot but when have the Yankees ever struggled with capital? Never. However, at the age of 35 I think he'd be more suited as a bottom of the rotation guy. You just don't know what you're going to get here. His first start he only gave up 1 run in 4 innings and walked 3 batters along with it. In typical Aaron Boone fashion he was quick to go to the bullpen. His 2nd start he didn't get as lucky. Corey gave up five hits and three runs along with two more walks in just 2.1 innings. The jury is still out on Kluber. We'll see. As your 2nd go to guy. I am skeptical.

3. Domingo German (Sort of)

The 28 year old has spent three years in the Bronx and headed into his 4th. Its been quite the roller coaster ride. After a poor first full year in 2018, 2019 was a great year for German. He went 18-4 with a nearly 4-1 strikeout to walk ratio. He did benefit from a potent offense that gave him almost 7 runs of support a game. Also, most of this damage was done in the beginning of the season as German struggled post all-star break. He was suspended the following year for 63 games for a domestic abuse case. In the shortened season he ended up not throwing a single pitch. This season German has managed to give up 7 runs in 7 innings pitched. Even worse for him, he was sent to the Yankees alternate site. While Boone says he will be back soon, I am not counting on him to return to that 2019 form.

4. Jordan Montgomery

Hard to believe Monty has been with the club for 5 years. When he's healthy Montgomery is serviceable. This is a big if of course as he's gone through multiple injuries, including the infamous Tommy John surgery. His 162 game average gives him stats of a W-L record of 10-7 with an ERA just over 4.00. Clearly a bottom of the rotation guy and doesn't do anything flashy but again, serviceable. His first start of the year went well for Jordan, going 6 innings of shutout baseball with 7 K's. In his 2nd start Tampa hit him a little hard. 5 innings with 4 earned runs against him and two walks. Consistency and health are crucial for Monty. Easy for me to say (type) that out.

5. Jameson Taillon

After spending 2016-2019 in Pittsburgh (Poor Guy), the Yankees traded for Taillon in January. As a Yanks fan I liked this move. Another guy here that is not flashy but is adequate with a career ERA sitting at 3.47. He missed all of 2020 with an injury so again, what are you going to get here? Not so good thus far to the dismay of Yankees fan everywhere. His first start was not great but not horrible. Jameson went 4.2 innings giving up 2 runs. He did have 7 K's. His next start is tonight against Toronto.

Yes, we are early in to the season but as a New Yorker we must criticize and overact to our teams shaky play as best as we can. After Gerrit Cole there are question marks all over the place from starters 2-5. As it has been for as along as I can remember the lineup is great and the bullpen is above average. However, come October can the Yankees really contend with this starting five. We'll check in come Fall.