22 and The Rookie Pitchers

22, that's the number of regular season games the Yankees have left. It's like seeing the finish line but you still have half a mile to run. You need to pace when you start your sprint otherwise everyone else will pass you before the tape.

The NY Daily News has a piece on all of the rookie pitchers that we've used this year. It's really pretty astonishing that we even have a prayer of making the post season considering its September and we really still don't have our rotation set. Here is what the article says about the performance by the rookies followed by my prediction about each pitcher in italics:

Phil Hughes
Allowed four runs in 4.1 innings in losing debut, but threw 6.1 no-hit innings in his second start before hurting a hamstring.

It will take Hughes another season to fully mature as a starting pitcher, but once he does he has the potential to be number 1 or 2 starter for years to come. He will just keep getting better and will eventually be an all-star.

Kei Igawa
Gave up seven runs in five innings the first time, three runs (two earned) in No. 2. Both were no-decisions.

We couldn't get rid of him this year, but we will try again in the off season. If we can't get rid of him then we'll try to use him again next year but I don't see him ever being a starter for the Yankees. Most likely he'll wind up fizzling out in triple A or he'll be designated for assignment.

Chase Wright
Got a win by allowing three runs in five innings in debut, but gave up four consecutive homers at Fenway in follow-up.

There is some potential here, but Wright still needs a lot of work. I see him as middle relief in the future, but even that is going to take another half season of development in the minors.

Darrell Rasner
Five earned runs in 4.1 innings in first start, a loss; three runs (none earned) in 5.1 innings in a no-decision in second start.

Rasner will most likely never be heard from again.

Matt DeSalvo
Two good ones - no decision in debut, allowing one run in seven innings, and a win over the Mariners in his second start when he went 6.2 innings and allowed two runs.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if DeSalvo was part of a trade deal to acquire Santana in the off season. Aside from that he is a big question mark for me.

Jeff Karstens
Seven runs and a loss in his first start; a broken leg in his second when he faced two batters and gave up two hits, including a comebacker that hit his shin.

Karstens like Hughes has potential. It will be interesting to see how his recovery comes along, but I see him as a future number 5 man.

Tyler Clippard
Sunday night win over Mets at Shea, allowing one run in six innings. Second start was a loss when he gave up three runs in four innings.

I have to say that I like Tyler, he had a rocky second start but I think that had more to do with the fact that he just wasn't ready for prime time. I think that it's 50/50 on if he makes the rotation or gets traded away. Either way he'll be a solid number 4 or 5 man.

The article doesn't mention these guys, but I will:

Joba Chamberlin

This kid is going to be great, probably even better than Hughes. It's hard to predict how he'll do as a starter but if his relief performances are any guide he will be a hall of fame pitcher.

Ian Kennedy

He has only started one game for us, but man what a game it was. Again, its hard to predict after only one start, but I think that he will continue to develop into a Mike Mussina type pitcher (the effective Mussina type pitcher that is) and will be an all star in a few short years.

As for my prediction for next years rotation, I think it will look something like this:

1. Wang

2. Pettitte (Possibly Santana)

3. Hughes

4. Chamberlin

5. Kennedy