New York Yankees 

Chien-Ming Wang – Wang is a quintessential groundball pitcher, with streakiness a common trait with these profiles.  Note his home/road splits in his time in the major leagues.  The hurler loves Yankee Stadium and the long infield grass.  In his three years with the Bronx Bombers Wang shows a sweet 3.04 ERA; however he turns into an average pitcher on the highway with a 4.62 ERA.  It’s been that easy, as that’s how I handicap and look to play Wang.  In addition, his sinker is tough to pick up for hitters with his quirky motion, which coincides with his sometime problems pitching out of the stretch.   

Andy Pettitte – The 35-year-old can still get the job done, while recording a 4.05 ERA last season for the Yankees.  He allowed just 16 homeruns last year, but that number should seemingly shoot up this season.  What’s worrisome for Pettitte moving forward is his health.  The southpaw’s dealt with both back and elbow issues the last few editions.  His elbow is already once again a concern this spring as the season approaches.  Keep an eye on this condition, as a bad elbow will certainly hurt his overall effectiveness.   

Philip Hughes – The Yankees are relying on a breakout season from their young hurler.  Of course, this isn’t a bad thing with all the free agent money the Bombers have thrown away over the years, while Hughes owns big time talent.  He’s been the talk of the spring for the Yankees with the general consensus having Hughes extremely sharp in Florida.  The 21-year-old showed glimpses of his potential last season with a 4.46 ERA; however, he stumbled at times as well.  Hughes deals a mid-90’s fastball, slider, curve and change with good command.  His velocity was sapped somewhat last year after a hamstring injury, and eventually an ankle sprain derailed him.  I expect a breakout season if he can handle the pressure of New York.   

Mike Mussina – Mussina showed his age last year, while regressing from a sweet 2006 season (Note contract year).  Last year he pitched to a 5.15 ERA after a 3.51 number in ’06.  Simply, he’s now battling diminished velocity, which has an effect of not separating his offerings enough.  Once able to pitch well into the low-90’s, ‘Moose’ sometimes toils in the mid-80’s.  Alarming is the fact Mussina only allowed 14 homeruns last season and his ERA still went up over 1.5 runs.  I’ve always liked Mussina and his ‘artwork’ on the mound, but the end is near.   

Ian Kennedy – Frankly, it seemed like Kennedy tossed more than 19 innings last year, but they were rock-solid allowing just four earned runs.  He was the Bombers first round draft selection in 2006, while his minor league work’s been limited, however sparkling.  Kennedy’s repertoire includes a low-90’s fastball, change, knuckle curve and slider.  Although he’s noted for command and more of a finesse guy.  Kennedy will have to adjust at some point this season, as I’ll be on the lookout to ‘fade’ him come July or August.