Who Will It Be For Yankees' Rotation, Garcia Or Colon?
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- With Opening Day less than one week away, the Yankees need to make a decision on their rotation. And soon.
Freddy Garcia and Ivan Nova appear to be in position to win the two spots behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes. But don't count Bartolo Colon out just yet.
"We have to make a decision sooner than later," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "We will close the competition soon enough. I will talk to Joe on the phone. ... We will close this thing out eventually."
"It's not beneficial for me to state my preferences," Cashman added. "I will get all the recommendations and make mine to ownership."
Garcia pitched for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, allowing one run and four hits over six innings. He also struck out three during the 67-pitch outing.
"I'm happy with what I've done," Garcia said. "It's not my decision, it's their decision, but the good thing is that I'm 100%. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll move on. I'd love to be here."
Garcia signed to a minor league contract with the Yankees after going 12-6 with a 4.64 ERA for the Chicago White Sox last season.
"They will do what they have do," said Garcia "I would love to be here."
Colon, who hasn't pitched in the majors since September 2009, has been impressive in exhibition games.
"He is throwing the ball really well, and sometimes you've got to go by what you're seeing and what you think can possibly happen," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "It's a good problem to have if guys are pitching good toward the end. Stuff-wise, we know what they can do. Command-wise has been good. I'd rather have that than trying to force somebody into a spot."
By many accounts, Colon has out-pitched Garcia this spring. But questions linger over the 37 year-old's ability to endure a full season in the majors.
"You're looking at stuff, and the question is, does he maintain his stuff?" Rothschild said. "Right now, it can't be answered, but from what I've seen, he can help a major-league team, without a doubt."
Who's your pick, Garcia or Colon? Sound off in the comments below...
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