Nova Or Sabathia: Who Should Be the Yankees’ Fifth Starter?

Despite having named basically the rest of the roster, Joe Girardi has yet to officially announce the winner of the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation. Who deserves it more, Ivan Nova or CC Sabathia?

Two weeks ago, I wrote a post pondering which of three candidates (Nova, Sabathia and Bryan Mitchell) had the best chance at winning the fifth starter competition. Since then, Mitchell dropped out of the race and then hurt his toe, so we’re down to two. Back when I wrote that post, my stance was that Sabathia’s salary would pretty much guarantee him the spot unless he completely stunk up the joint and Nova pitched everyone’s lights out all spring. Neither happened consistently, so I assumed Sabathia had the “competition” all wrapped up.

However, now that Girardi basically named the entire roster and roles for everyone who made the team, but has yet to announce this decision, I’m starting to think the impossible might actually happen, and Ivan Nova might get the job. Personally, I think he probably deserves it.

Coming into training camp, I was personally hoping Sabathia would pitch poorly enough to finally be removed from the rotation. Frankly, I’m all together tired of watching him go out and pitch. Period. It’s been three years since he’s managed an ERA that didn’t turn my stomach, and I want someone new to take over, even if that someone new is someone who is already on the team.

Over his first three starts, CC pitched 7.1 innings and allowed 10 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits and 3 walks. To my delight, it seemed like CC might take the choice out of Girardi’s hands and pitch his way into the bullpen all on his own (or, just prove my theorem that the competition wasn’t a competition at all, and get the job anyway). However, the big lefty turned it around as the spring rolled on. Over his last two starts, he pitched 9 innings and gave up only 4 runs (all earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks. That’s not quite lights out, but it was a marked improvement over the previous starts, and something positive to build on moving into the season.

Now let’s talk about Nova. Heading into the spring, I was hoping for Nova to really blow the doors down and force his way into the rotation. I figured that he’d be now fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and really motivated by the fact that he’s in his final year before free agency, and that would translate to big things. After all, we’re not that far removed from his 3.10 ERA (3.47 FIP) in 2013. Nova has all the tools, but he’s lacked consistency throughout his career.

Nova pitched brilliantly over his first three starts, allowing only 2 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks over 9 innings. I was practically salivating. Unfortunately, his next two starts weren’t good at all. Ivan labored through 9 innings, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits and 6 walks against the Twins and Orioles. That, coupled with Sabathia’s resurgence, made me think the spot was all but wrapped up for CC. However, Nova ended up with one more chance to show his worth, and he took full advantage. On Wednesday against the Braves, he pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits and a walk in a game the Yankees eventually won 2-0.

I think it’s that last amazing performance that is probably sticking in Girardi’s mind and keeping the Yankees manager from making the official announcement just yet. Yes, Nova had two bad starts, but CC had three bad starts. Also, neither of CC’s good starts even came close to how good Nova was against the Braves on Wednesday. The thing with Nova is that, when he’s on like that, he can often look unhittable–like he’s on cruise control. I don’t think I’ve seen Sabathia make things look that easy in a long time.

No matter what, I still feel that Sabathia’s time in the Yankees rotation should come to an end. Even if they both stink, I’d rather watch Nova lose than Sabathia at this point. CC isn’t going to surprise anyone out there, and he’s picking up speed on his downhill trajectory. Nova at least has a chance to rekindle his magic from a few years ago, and I think he’s earned the right to try his luck every fifth day.

I might be totally rationalizing here, but putting Sabathia in the bullpen might help his effectiveness. How many pitchers are better out of the bullpen than they are in the rotation? There’s a lot to be said for knowing you only have to face the opposing batting order once, instead of three or four times. Also, a demotion might also light a fire under his CC’s butt. Angry CC might make for a good middle reliever.

Related Story: Bryan Mitchell Named to Yankees Opening Day Roster

I’m still not sold on the fact that the Yankees will actually pay Sabathia $25 million to get 3 or 6 outs per game, but the Red Sox just showed that money shouldn’t determine roster roles by benching hefty third baseman Pablo Sandoval, so why not the Yankees too?