It's been almost one week since Tanaka had his terrible first start against Tampa. Although we are only four games into the season, Tanaka and the Yankees need to start winning and getting back on the same track they were on during Spring Training.
Tanaka needs to go out and throw a good game and go deep into the game. Last season the starting pitchers had a hard time getting past the 5th inning, taxing the bull pen. Relying on a bull pen through your entire season rarely works. There are too many moving parts and room for error. Who would have thought CC right now is the team's best pitcher? No one, because frankly he shouldn't be. When you have pitchers on your team like Tanaka, Pinada and Severino; CC should be your third best starter, because of his age and all those pitches he has on his arm. The guy has been a horse for the Yankees since joining the team in 2009; but he has more starts in is past than his future. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the game he pitched on Tuesday and he gave us our only win so far; but the other starters need to get their shit together (for lack of a better term) or Cashman needs to look elsewhere.
That said, the defense has been sloppy and hitters spotty at best. Consistency, in both offense and defense, is what will win games. Not amazing home runs or the occasional spectacular plays, but playing sharp, consistent baseball.
So, for today's game I would like to see Tanaka go at least 6 innings, no ugly throws by Headley and hits from the lineup top to bottom.
Win or lose, though, I'll be watching games, cursing and cheering at the tv.
To quote Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton "Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now" (come on you KNEW a Hamilton quote was inevitable!) ❤
As usual, Go Yankees!
