The Postseason Pitch
By John Bonini
As the sun begins to set on what has been another exciting and historical season in big leagues, the pivotal moment has arrived for players around the league. While some players are packing it up, trading in the Lousiville Slugger for the Callaway golf club and heading south, others are refueling, preparing for the grueling postseason that lies ahead. And no one player will carry greater pressure than that of the pitchers, who must hoist the games upon their shoulders to carry their team to the promise land. Arguably one of the most talked about pitching staffs has been that of the Yankees, which has been tinkered with all season. The feelings have ranged from that of frustration, triumph, and even "breaking" points. As the Bronx hurlers are passing in their resumes for a spot on the postseason roster, let’s take a look at what has transpired and what to expect.
Mike Mussina (12-9 4.59 ERA)
The key for success for the Ace of the Yankees will be the month-long rest Mussina received in June compliments of a sore elbow. While most pitchers begin to tire out at this point in the season, the rested Mike Mussina is finally back in form, with a 3-0 record and 1.51 ERA in his last five starts, capping off what has been a great September for the “Moose.”
Mussina will be the undisputed #1 starter for the Yankees in the postseason, and is the least of worries from a pitching standpoint in the Bronx.
Jon Lieber (14-8 4.33 ERA)
Coming off a one-year recovery from Tommy John surgery, the first half of the season was anything but a warm welcome back for the right-hander. But as they say, it takes a few months for a pitcher to regain strength when coming back from “T.J.” surgery; Lieber has been a prime example. Lieber pitched well in August, but even better in September, including a gem where he shut down the Red Sox, one of the most explosive offenses in baseball. With his extremely low number of walks (18), and his improved outings, Lieber should be a top candidate for a postseason spot. Look for Lieber to start a Game 2, which would be at Yankee Stadium, given his incredible success at home (11-2).
Javier Vazquez (14-10 4.89 ERA)
Javier Vazquez’ debut in the Bronx was an uplifting one for all in Yankee land after the losses of Andy Pettite and Roger Clemens. Posting a 10-6 record in the first half, Vazquez earned himself a spot on the American League All-Star Team. However, since the All-Star break in July, Vazquez has pitched poorly going 4-4. It could be mechanics, he could be hurting, according to Vazquez he feels good, but doesn’t know the problem. Vazquez’ pitching ability and electric “stuff” make him a danger for opponents at any time, and for that reason he’s a potential threat in the playoffs. Mel Stottlemeyer will spend countless hours with Vazquez before October, as he will earn himself a spot on the starting squad. If the Javier Vazquez pre-All-Star break shows up, he will give the Yankees an incredible chance to win on any given night, but if post-All-Star Javier makes an appearance, the Yankees will have to hit his way to victory.
Orlando “El-Duque” Hernandez (8-1 2.87 ERA)
The story of the year for the Yankees pitching has been the resurgence of the Cuban right-hander, ‘El-Duque”. “El Duque” has been en fuego for the Yankees since his return from the disabled list in July, posting the second lowest ERA in the second half behind Twins Ace Johan Santana. The postseason will be nothing new for Duque, as he holds the record for most consecutive postseason wins with 9. And with only a half season of work, look for the fueled up Hernandez to pitch well. He’ll have the fans doing the “El Duque”.
Kevin Brown (10-5 4.25)
Kevin Brown came with a lot of promise when he landed in the Bronx this off-season. Being honored with pitcher of the month in April lived up to the hype that came with “Brownie”. After missed time from a parasite and back spasms, Kevin Brown has had a long, frustrating road trying to get back into his groove. Breaking his hand by punching a wall didn’t go over well with his teammates or help his chances at a postseason start. His recent struggles could land him in the bullpen come October.
In October, stats and numbers might as well be thrown out the window. Everyone begins with a clean slate. Little goes as planned in the playoffs, heroics come from the unlikely and players are running on adrenaline, which can make even the most struggling player come into his own. October is a different ballgame; look for Yankee pitchers to come prepared, ready to prove everything and anything to those who stand 60 feet away.
