Fan Fanatic Sports staff
The New York Yankees might be sitting atop the ultra-tough American League East, but how long will it last?
Well, if pitching and defense wins championships, then the Yanks will not make it back-to-back championships due to their starting pitching staff that is looking pretty shaky right now.
We all know CC Sabathia can win a game every time he takes the mound, but who else can?
Now that Andy Pettitte (11-2, 2.88 ERA) is on the DL with a bad hamstring, the Yanks know they are in a little bit of trouble, even though you won't hear or read about them hitting the panic button.
Remember: There's a reason why they tried desperately to land Cliff Lee by dangling their top prospect -- Jesus Montero -- in a package deal.
Pettitte has also been old reliable, but now with him missing at least a month, the Yanks are in desperate need of arms that can be consistent to give them a chance to win.
Youngster Phil Hughes has the kind of stuff that aces are made of, but he's inexperienced and the Yanks' brass are closely monitoring his innings, hoping to not overwork that golden arm. Plus, the All-Star Hughes hasn't exactly pitched great lately. He's showing signs of being pooped already.
And then there's that waste of money, A.J. Burnett. The No. 2 in the rotation has been a big zero (7-8, 4.99 ERA) and can never be counted on. We've seen way too many bad Burnett starts lately.
Javier Vazquez has also been up and down, and he's definitely not a sure thing ever.
With Pettitte on the DL, manager Joe Girardi is going to call on Sergio Mitre to fill in. Seriously? I'm willing to bet Mitre would have a hard time getting hitters out in the independent Can-Am League.
See, just like I said, the Yankees are in trouble.
Good thing the Yankees are blessed with a talented offensive lineup that can make up for some very iffy pitching. And don't even get me started on that bullpen.
We'll see if that staff can hold down the fort until Pettitte comes back or the organization trades for a plus-arm.
