New York Yankees News & Notes: Team Could Get Big Help From International Pitchers in 2015, Especially Latinos
It's not often the New York Yankees lean on their pitching more than their hitting to win, but that's what Joe Girardi's team will have to do in 2015.
The Bronx Bombers are still trying to recuperate financially from failed deals in the past such as Alex Rodriguez and CC Sabathia. The team failed to make any huge game-breaking deals this offseason on offense despite so many great free agents available. What makes this so disappointing for Yankees fans is that Derek Jeter will not be returning this year either. Thus, the Bronx Bombers will have to rely on their pitching staff to get the job done.
Multiple international born pitchers will play a key factor in determining the Yankees success this season.
The most notable one of course being Masahiro Tanaka, who was fantastic last season as a rookie. The 25-year-old Japanese rookie posted a 13-5 record with a 2.77 earned runs against average. The young right-handed pitcher is without a doubt the future of the Yankees after signing a seven-year contract with the team. Unfortunately Tanaka had to shut it down early last season because of discomfort in the elbow.
Recently, Tanaka threw 35 pitches in bullpen sessions, and all reports were positive with pitching coach Larry Rothschild. The Yankees said, "He felt even better than last time," and he was throwing "harder" than he was in the past. Tanaka will be the most important Yankee this upcoming season, but Girardi has to make sure he doesn't overuse him.
There are also multiple Latin American-born pitchers who may have a big impact on the Yankees season.
Michael Pineda has battled a lot of injuries in the past, but he played well last season. Most baseball fans remember Pineda for the infamous pine-tar incident against the Boston Red Sox, which got him suspended 10 games. Pineda would eventually return and finish the season with a 1.89 ERA in his 13 starts. Girardi has shown that he is a big Pineda fan, and he will be needed big time for the Yankees to succeed in 2015.
Dominican pitcher Ivan Nova underwent Tommy John surgery this offseason, but he is expected to return by June. Nova has a 40-22 record as a Yankee pitcher since 2010, and he is still 28 years old. Hopefully, Nova will return better than ever and improve his fastball.
Domingo German is an interesting player. Originally signed by the Miami Marlins, German became a huge prospect for the Yankees. The 22-year-old Dominican has not yet pitched in the major leagues, but the Yankees saw potential and traded for him. It's very likely that German will not see any action this season continuing his young career in the minors, but if the Yankees' rotation struggles, he may get called up. German has been added to the 40-man roster, but not yet as a starter.
Relief pitchers Jose Ramirez and Jose De Paula may also see their fare share of playing time this season. Dominican fastball specialist Luis Severino is also the No. 1 prospect for the Yankees. Ramirez was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent in 2007 and saw playing time last season.
Unfortunately, injuries have halted his performance. De Paula previously pitched for the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A team, but the Yankees signed the talented lefty back in November. There's a very good chance De Paula will see playing action this upcoming season.
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