Yankees Found Lightning in a Bottle with Colon

Have we gone back in time to the year 2005 where Bartolo Colon won the AL CY Young with a record of 21-8?  So far this season, Colon looks to be closer to that form than the often injured and ineffective form he has shown the past few years.  Despite not being part of the decision, Colon had another successful outing on Monday night against the Tigers, as the Yankees went on to win the game 5-3.  He went 7 innings, giving up 3 earned runs and striking out 7.

Since replacing the injured Phil Hughes in the rotation, Colon has started 3 games, throwing 21.2 innings and giving up 6 earned runs.  What is most impressive about Colon is the amount of innings he is giving to the rotation, and how he can still throw his fast ball in the mid to low 90s.  With his injuries and weight issues, it has been a huge surprise.  You look at him and he makes David Welles look like Vin Diesel, but the guy has a quality arm.

The Yankees now have a record of 17-9 and lead the Rays by 3 in the division.  Colon is a big part of that success.  Many Yankee fans were concerned when Hughes went down, but if Colon keeps pitching like this, they might forget who Phil Hughes is. 

I know it is only 3 starts, but Colon looked impressive in spring training and his outings out of the bullpen.  It might not last the entire season, but Colon was once an ace, so we know he has the ability.  Maybe he has rejuvenated his career.  He has had injury problems, but if healthy, he can be a major force for this Yankees rotation.