State of the Yankees: Quarterly Review

The Yankees (19-17) are 1.5 games behind the Orioles for the division lead and just a half game ahead of the Red Sox. Before the Yankees start this week's Subway Series, there's the good, the bad, and plenty of first quarter surprises to review. Let's get right down to what really matters, shall we?

Opening Day Rotation
1. CC Sabathia – 15-day DL (knee), 5.28 ERA
2. Hiroki Kuroda – 4.43 ERA, had 5.00+ ERA in August, September & April
3. Ivan Nova – underwent Tommy John Surgery, out for season
4. Masahiro Tanaka – 5-0, 2.57 ERA, 58 K's, what else is there to say?
5. Michael Pineda – 15-day DL (muscle strain) out until June, 1.83 ERA possibly spiked with pine tar

Current Rotation
1. Masahiro Tanaka – proven quickly he's the true ace of the staff
2. Hiroki Kuroda – two strong starts in a row is encouraging for 39-year-old
3. Vidal Nuno – coming off very promising start vs. Angels (W, 6.1 IP, ER, 82 pitches)
4. David Phelps – two decent starts as Pineda's replacement, 4.09 ERA
5. Alfredo Aceves – the only real candidate to replace Sabathia, hasn't made a start yet

What’s next for the Yankees this winter?

Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann will help replace Robinson Cano’s production. That’s great. Now what about the rotation?

With yesterday’s re-signing of Hiroki Kuroda, the Yankees have three quality starters with CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova.

Grading the Yankees Friday deals

I don’t think there will be a better time for me to return to writing than right now. 

Maybe you already know all of the moves the Yankees made – and the moves they didn’t make. Maybe you’re asking yourself, What moves? Or, maybe you just want to hear me blab (thanks). 

So, on Friday…

Andy Pettitte signs minor-league deal with Yankees

Just as Bernie Williams gave fans hope by never officially retiring, Andy Pettitte never officially hung up his cleats. He just said, "I will not pitch this season," referring to last year. He didn't come back then, when the Yankees really lacked depth in their rotation. Now, when the Yankees have a surplus of starters, Pettitte is back, signing a one-year, $2.5 million minor-league deal.

The 39-year-old probably won't be ready for Opening Day, but he could certainly help them when he is at full strength.

A.J. Burnett should fire his agent, or get lost

Either he should fire his agent or he should find another team that will take his attitude.

I just caught wind of what Darek Braunecker, A.J. Burnett's agent, told the Daily News (h/t BBD) and felt obligated to share it with you.

“I haven’t spoken to A.J. since (Friday) night, but it’s safe to say everyone assumed the Yankees would make moves to improve their rotation,” Braunecker told the Daily News. “How and if it affects A.J. is yet to be seen. I know he has worked as hard this offseason as any, even more so, to make sure he’s healthy and capable to pitch as well as he can.

“He fully expects to be in the rotation.”

That first part is fine, but those last eight words may not have been the wisest way for Burnett's camp to respond to the Yankees' two big pitching acquisitions yesterday.

Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda for a year at $10 million

It seemed that the Yankees were going to go quietly this offseason despite NOT winning the World Series in 2011. What were we thinking?

Minutes after reports surfaced of the Yankees trading Jesus Montero for right-hander Michael Pineda, Jack Curry reported the Yankees have signed Hiroki Kuroda for a one-year deal worth $10-11 million. Buster Olney confirmed it will be $10 million.

Kuroda had a strong season with the Dodgers last year, posting a 3.07 ERA in 202 innings pitched, striking out 161 with a 1.21 WHIP. At first glance, Kuroda likely becomes the No. 3 starter between Pineda and Ivan Nova.

Link dump: Theeee Yankees win, Steinbrenner, Damon, Kuroda, Lee

It’s my last day of my internship! Below are a few Yankees headlines you need to see.

• Yanks give Jays taste of own medicine in 11-5 rout – Yankeeist
• Steinbrenner to get monument – ESPN New York
• Damon chooses to remain with Tigers – AP
• Yankees may have interest in Hiroki Kuroda – Ken Rosenthal
• Irate Lee: Yankees no sure thing to sign me – NY Post