Spin on Bombers’ rotation
Adam Warren (3.09), Bryan Mitchell (3.77) and Luis Cessa (7.04).
Pineda and Severino have shown flashes of dominance during the spring, but haven’t been able to do so on a consistent basis. Nothing new there.
Brian Cashman wanted to upgrade his rotation over the winter, but prices were steep. Yet because of the organization’s deep prospect pool, the GM could always elect to re-engage with the White Sox on Jose Quintana — or go after other more established pitchers via trade — later this season.
Plus, if James Kaprielian stays healthy and pitches well in the minors, perhaps he becomes a contributor in 2017. Emerging lefty Jordan Montgomery might figure into the mix early on, with Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield continuing to develop.
THAT HURTS
Until Monday, when Didi Gregorius was forced to leave the World Baseball Classic due to a right shoulder problem, the Yankees — a Grapefruit League-leading 18-6 — had been mostly injuryfree this spring, aside from Tyler Austin and Mason Williams. Gary Sanchez (.361 batting average), Greg Bird (.421) and Matt Holliday (.306) have all looked tremendous, while Gleyber Torres (.464) seems like the real deal.
But Monday was also a reminder that things can still go wrong. And the rotation still needs to be worked out.