Why The Yankees Aren't a Secure Pick to Win The American League

After closing out a fairly successful September, Joe Girardi and the Yankees look to maintain momentum into the playoffs. 

Though the Bronx Bombers captured the league's best record with powerful second halves by Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, the unpredictable offensive support is not what haunts Yankee fans heading into the post season.  

The starting rotation for the Yanks has been under heavy scrutiny, after sporadic starting efforts by Joba Chamberlain throughout the season. Leaving pitching coach Dave Eiland with one question to answer: who will be the third starter in the rotation? 

Andy Pettitte, who came off a disappointing season in 2008, has rebounded to earn fourteen wins, while only falling short seven time. He has been a dependable force to transition between the top and bottom of the rotation, which may be a deciding factor later in October. 

Whether Pettitte or Chamberlain are awarded the spot for the playoffs, this position in the rotation will prove to be one of the most crucial components for continued success for a world-series-potential team.

Though the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have a commanding offense to relieve their pitchers throughout the season, this commodity may not be available American League powerhouses.

With the majority of Yankee pitchers averaging an ERA that exceeds four runs, stability at the pitching position throughout the bullpen and starting rotation is the key to playoff success for the boys in pinstripes and will allow them to dominate fellow American League hopefuls for the next few weeks.

Being a Yankees fan I feel that there is no doubt they can compete and even win. The rotation is one of the only things that worries me after a great season and over 100 wins.