Because they are the Yankees, everyone knows when they have a supposed weak spot on their roster, and it was as if the Bronx was burning (again) when they struggled to find suitable candidates to fill out the rotation beyond CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett.
What looked like it could result in an all-out scramble for starters has turned into a rather intense and encouraging (for the Yankees) competition.
Veterans Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have been solid, particularly Colon, who has 12 strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA in nine innings. Holdover Sergio Mitre has a 2.25 ERA through eight innings. Youngster Ivan Nova has been supremely impressive, posting six no-hit innings earlier in the week to move right back into the mix.
The way it looks, one of the foursome may just end up in the bullpen and one of the older two could get released. A team like the Red Sox, which has a strong rotation but not a lot of protection for it, will want to keep an eye on the situation.
Regardless of what happens, it's a safe bet New York will keep shopping. Reports surfaced this week that they had made an offer to veteran righty Kevin Millwood.
