Yankees News: Positive Reports on Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia

All reports are positive on the health of Masahiro Tanaka. The New York Yankees ace and arguably most important player on the roster has reported no pain in his right elbow according to ESPN.

“So far he’s felt good,” Larry Rothschild said Monday at the Yankees’ minor league complex. “He’s had a good winter.”

Nothing has changed with Masahiro Tanaka’s off season routine in order to stay in shape for the upcoming season. This is excellent news for all fans and members of the New York Yankees organization. Tanaka, coming off the first year of his seven year, $155 million deal, looks to improve off an impressive first season. Although he only finished with 20 starts, the righty finished with a 13-5 record, a 2.77 ERA, and averaged 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Sticking with the starting rotation, Larry Rothschild has also received great news regarding CC Sabathia. Sabathia is coming off a woeful season in which he started eight games, going 3-4 with a career-worst 5.28 ERA. Rothschild did challenge Sabathia to be ready once spring training comes around.

“He needs to pitch this spring,” Rothschild said. “He hasn’t pitched much the last two years, so you’ve got to watch his arm, too, and get that ready, and be smart about that. The knee, you’ve got to be aware of. There’s a lot that we’ve just got to pay attention to.”

Expectations for Masahiro Tanaka are extremely high. The New York Yankees organization and their fans expect a healthy Tanaka to win 20 games and flash the dominance he did last year. Tanaka was arguably a top three pitcher last year when he was on his game and had command of his wide variety of pitches. He seemed to handle all the New York pressure well, and proved he is a born winner.

CC Sabathia may not have as lofty expectations as Masahiro Tanaka, but the veteran is expected to be a reliable pitcher in the starting rotation. He has lost the velocity he had on his fastball, which has altered his game greatly. However, he is a proven ace, and a 14 win season is not too much too ask for from the former Cy Young winner… if he can figure out a way to stay healthy.

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