Yankees Need Masahiro Tanaka to Return to Rookie Form

Usually the better someone performs the better they are treated. That is the way Masahiro Tanaka has been treated by the New York Yankees. However, if the Yankees hope to overtake the surging Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East title, Tanaka must pitch like a star.

New York has set up their rotation so that Tanaka will always pitch with five days rest, instead of the normal four. Thus far, there has not been enough success from the high cost star of $175 million.

In his last five starts, Tanaka has only impressed one time when he pitched nine innings to beat Toronto 4-1., which was about two weeks ago.

Across the other four of his starts, Tanaka threw just six innings in each, which in one or possibly two innings fewer in each game considering the amount of pampering he continues to get from the organization.

Tanaka might be only a No. 2 or even No. 3 starter. That is not that bad, but a team is not able to build around a No. 2 or No. 3 while he is getting special concessions on his workload.

Tanaka, who will start Friday night against Atlanta, is supposed to be the one who pitches New York into the World Series.

Although he might be good down the stretch and into October, it is difficult to believe he will end up being the same type of workhouse that CC Sabathia was in 2009

Tanaka overall is 9-6 with an ERA of 3.61, not bad however, far from greatness. Even more concerning is that since he started his career in the majors at 11-1 with an ERA of 1.99, over 14 starts, he is 11-10 with an ERA of 3.91 over his past 24 starts.

At one time, he was considered a candidate for the Cy Young and he could very well regain the form he once had. However, at this point he looks to be more of a No. 3 starter that a Cy Young hurler.

Tanaka is only 26 and said he does not think an extra day of rest is needed for each start. However, when he has pitched on four days rest he suffered a strained forearm, tendinitis and time on the disabled list.

New York decided Tanaka needs the extra day and manager Joe Girardi tries to explain the Yankees mindset by saying it is about the entire pitching staff and that all the starters could benefit. However, the new pitching rules in the Yankees clubhouse are for Tanaka when all the dust settles.