Yankees Off-Season: Silent But Deadly

Since dropping out of the 2011 postseason early, the Yankees have done little in the off season. The resigned CC Sabathia and also resigned Freddy Garcia. Many Yankees fan were wondering why they haven't heard too much from the Bombers. Usually they are the ones making the most noise each postseason. This year, the Angels stole the show, acquiring Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. However, that all changed on Friday when the Yankees reportedly signed ex Dodger, Hiroki Kuroda, and traded for Mariner sensation Michael Pineda.

Kirudo has signed with the Yankees for $10 million for one year. Pineda is being traded to the Yanks for top prospect Jesus Montero. The Yankees were looking to keep Montero because of the promise he showed at the plate last year. Although he did not catch too much, Montero's bat made some noise.

Kuroda had a 2011 record of 13-16, with a 3.01 ERA. Pineda had a 9-10 record, with a 3.74 ERA. Pineda was an All Star last year, and although his record seemed poor, the lack of run support from the disgraceful Mariners contributed to the low amount of wins. Pineda finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting last year. He also had a very respectable 1.10 WHIP. (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched)

So now with these two acquisitions, the Yankees have these starters to play with; CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda. So here is the question, who makes the starting rotation? If I had control of the team, I would have CC as the obvious number 1, Pineda as the number 2, I like Ivan Nova as the number 3, I put Kuroda as the fourth starter AJ Burnett as the 5th because I feel more comfortable with him as the number five than a relief pitcher. This leaves Hughes and Garcia to join Joba Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano, Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, Pedro Feliciano (if he plays) and Boone Logan in the bullpen.

However, I feel like the Yankees will be shipping AJ Burnett away before Spring Training starts. Burnett has been struggling since the World Series run in 09. He has proven to be very inconsistent. Although he is a very nice guy, Burnett is just not getting it done in pinstripes. With the Yankees out of the running for Japanese sensation Hiroyuki Nakajima, the Yanks might look to trade for a shortstop to replace Jeter or a big DH such a Big Papi or even make room for Prince Fielder. Although the Yankees do need a DH, Prince Fielder is not a likely option. The Yankees, while they love prospect catcher Austin Romine, can also use some help behind the plate since they got rid of Jesus Montero.

The Yankees are just getting started. Brian Cashman is a smart guy. He knows what he is doing. Be on the lookout for a trade to get rid of AJ Burnett. 35 days until Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training!