As we reach that wonderful time of year where baseball fans get excited over the fact that Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training, it’s time to take a look at the Yankees and one of their biggest strengths this season: their starting rotation.

The Yankees have lined up five pitchers that on paper surely look to be one of if not the best starting five in baseball. When looking specifically at the American League East, the Yankees will certainly be able to compete with the Red Sox and Rays with their rotation. That is, if they stay healthy.

The Yankees have spent some big bucks to put together a rotation that includes C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and Andy Pettitte.

Overall, this is quite a balanced rotation when you look at it as a whole. Sabathia, Burnett, and Joba all have power arms, but C.C. and A.J. can both throw nasty breaking balls and Joba’s slider is one of the best in baseball.

Wang has one of the best sinkers when he’s on as well. Finally, having a guy like Andy Pettitte as your number five starter, when he won 14 games last season with an ERA of 4.54 is solid for a No. 5 starter. However, health is going to be a big factor for the Yankees this season.

The Yankees lost Chien Ming Wang last season midway through the year with a foot injury. Joba missed a month or so at the end of the year with a shoulder problem. And the Yankees had to deal with injuries to highly-touted youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.

If the Yankees are going to survive and be very competitive this year, it is crucial they stay healthy. If not, they do have some depth with Hughes and Kennedy and even Alfredo Aceves if need be. However, who knows if they will be able to live up to expectations just yet?

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