Yankees Gambling On Young Arms Not Paying Off Early

The New York Yankees had as much leverage and as strong a chance to land Johan Santana this winter as any team in baseball. They decided their young arms were too valuable to give up for a proven Cy Young award winner.

Now, just a month into the season, that decision is looking like the first bad one of Hal Steinbrenner's reign as acting owner. The young pitchers have been nothing short of awful so far this year.

George Steinbrenner turned over the team to his son this year, and it does not look like the younger Steinbrenner was prepared to do so. The Yankees had Santana there for the taking, but they balked at the asking price.

On Thursday, they learned that one of the immovable players, Phil Hughes, would be out for at least two months. Whether that is bad news or not for Yankees fans depends on the perspective.

It is unfortunate that he was hurt, but so far this season he has not even come close to living up to expectations. The other part of that duo, Ian Kennedy, has been just as awful.

Steinbrenner, perhaps realizing the mistake they made in the off season, has made it known publicly that he wants Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, but so far the GM and coach have not given in to his wishes.

Now that Hughes is down, the Yankees may have no choice but to give in to the feisty owner, and move Chamberlain from the bullpen. Either way, it appears obvious that New York made a major mistake by not securing the best pitcher in baseball when they had their opportunity.

May 2, 2008
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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