Rating Yankee pitching

The Yankees had a staff earned run average of 4.03. That placed them 12th in the majors.

A look at some of the key personnel as we prepare for the ALDS:


CC Sabathia (21-7, 3.18):  B+. He likely gave away the Cy Young Award when he was bested by the Rays and David Price Sept. 23 Yankee Stadium. Still, a big year for the ace and more opportunities to come in postseason.

Andy Pettitte (11-3, 3.28): B+. Great first half obscured by groin injury and now concerns about readiness for postseason.  Status for next season, as usual, is uncertain.  

Phil Hughes (18-8, 4.19): B-. Strong start to season, but difficult going after All-Star break. A vital part of the postseason.

A.J. Burnett (10-15, 5.26): F-.  If he sees action in ALDS it means someone got hurt. If he pitches in ALCS, the Yankees better be up three games to none.

Javier Vazquez (10-10, 5.32): F. Given adequate opportunities, but could not succeed as a starter or reliever.  Not worthy of postseason roster spot.  

Ivan Nova (1-2, 4.50): C. Small sampling to make firm decision, but middle inning breakdowns are troublesome.

Dustin Moseley (4-4. 4.96): C-.   A better choice than Sergio Mitre, but not by much.

Mariano Rivera (3-3, 1-80, 33 saves): A. But not an A-plus. Late season adjustment might return him to super-human status.

Kerry Wood (2-0, 0.69): A.  Great addition, especially with Joba Chamberlain dropping the ball as the eighth inning setup man.

Joba Chamberlain (3-4, 4.40): D. Needs a change of scenery after the Yankees bungled his role as reliever, starter, reliever the past few seasons.

Boone Logan (2-0, 2.93):  A. Invaluable leftthander.

David Robertson (4-5. 3.82):  B+. When he’s on, a most valuable  plank in the bridge between starters and relievers. 

steven.marcus@newsday.com