Rotate and Twist

With less than a week to go before opening day, the Yankees starting rotation already has buzzards circling over it. Andy Pettitte was hit with back spasms last week. He's been reduced to playing catch on flat ground, but that's better than nothing. Chien-Ming Wang, arguably the ace of the staff, felt something pop in his hamstring. The next day he felt a lot better, but the Yankees are likely to be cautious and put him on the DL until mid to late April.

When times like this occur, you look to the kids to step up. We all thought that would be Jeffrey Karstens, especially after he threw 9 shutout innings. Then he got knocked around a bit by the Blue Jays, and hammered by the Tigers on Sunday. He also had to leave the game with a stiff elbow. And while tests came up negative, Karstens is likely to be placed on the DL as well.

Which now takes us to Darrell Rasner to step it up. I have more faith in Rasner than Karstens anyway. The kid looks like he can pitch in the bigs.

Which still leaves us with Carl Pavano starting opening day...ugh


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As far as the bullpen goes, Brian Bruney is starting to look as nasty as ever. He struck out the side, all looking, yesterday against the Phillies, and has 11 K's in just 5 innings.

Sean Henn finally got knocked around on Sunday, but still has a chance to make the team. Ron Villone finally threw a scoreless inning against minor leaguers yesterday, but seems to have fallen out of favor once again with Joe Torre.