The iron men

The Yankees have a very durable group of guys leading their rotation. In fact, I just looked through every other team’s rotation, and I couldn’t find one more stable.

This idea popped into my head after reading a couple other bloggers post about how the Yankees should be expecting injuries to this year’s rotation. Obviously you have to expect some bumps and bruises, but I’m certainly not expecting any of the “big four” to be missing a month or more. Here’s a quick rundown:

CC Sabathia: In nine seasons, he’s made over 30 starts in all but one season, and has started 103 games in the last three seasons. I don’t think anybody has pitched more innings in the past three years than the big lefty (724).

A.J. Burnett: OK, so he’s the only guy I have some doubts about. Then again, he’s been completely arm-trouble free for the past two years (67 starts, 428.1 IP). His history of injuries before 2008 is something to take not of, but it doesn’t lead me to believe his name will appear on the disabled list this year.

Andy Pettitte: In 11 full seasons with the Yankees, he’s started less than 30 games just once. His rookie year he started at the end of April and made 26 starts. More recently, he’s gone five straight years with over 32 starts. Pettitte turns 38 in June, but are you really worried about his health?

Javier Vazquez: Ten straight years of at least 30 starts and 198 innings. Need I say more?

So for those who think Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will be full-time starters by year’s end, think again.