What Yankees Adam Warren Is Out To Prove In 2016

Adam Warren knows well that statistics lie. In 2016, he just wants the opportunity to prove it.

For all of those money ball believers, this may come as a surprise. But Warren is out to show that, despite his numbers being better in the bullpen, he is determined to grab a spot in the Yankees opening day starting rotation.

"“I really wasn’t sure, going into last season whether I wanted to be a starter or a reliever and obviously I got the opportunity to start and I really fell in love with it it, fell in love with getting to see hitters three or four times and thinking through at-bats and what pitches you want to throw,” he said, according to NJ.Com.“I feel like that suits my game better. I really enjoy doing that. Getting the opportunity to at least compete as a starter is really something I’m really working hard for this off-season and really focusing on to come in to spring training to really impress.”"

A look at his 2015 results shows why the money ball nerds may be skeptical. His record as a starter in 2015 was a ho-hum 6-6, even though his ERA was a respectable 3.66. Compare that to his overall performance as a reliever, and you will see that his ERA drops to 3.05. That is more than a half of a run better per nine innings. Plus, his strike outs per inning are better as a reliever.

Still, Warren is willing to contribute however the Yankees need him to.

"“I wouldn’t say it’s a curse (pitching well in both situations) but I think it makes it more likely to move me back and forth because I proved I can do it and I’ve had success doing it and I think for me it adds value for me personally and to the team and my ultimate goal is to win a World Series,” he said, also according to NJ.Com. “If moving back and forth helps accomplish that, then I’m all for it.”"

Whether or not Warren wins that starting spot, it should not change the Yankees most prudent off-season strategy. The last two seasons have proven that there is no such thing as having too much starting pitching. The Yankees should add a dependable, top of the line ace to anchor their rotation. Then, if Warren comes through, that is so much the better.

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