Alfredo Aceves: A Yankee Sleeper?

Upon taking the mound Aceves let his star shine bright.  He is a calm collected pitcher.  Similar to say Gojira in the fact that he could be pitching to the number nine batter or have the bases loaded around him.  Same demeanor, same approach.  He can and will throw any pitch in any count.  Yet has he shown any type of emotion or intimidation.  He seems cold and determined.  Focused not distracted or intimidated, he  doesn't have the weight of a world of expectations riding on his shoulders.  No ad campaigns, no publicity, just him and his job.  Rock and fire. 

When a pitcher faces the lineup being showcased down in Anaheim, you would expect some sort of weak knees or butterflies.  Not the case with Aceves.  He allowed the great Halos a generous helping of 7 innings pitched, 5 hits, and one earned run, with a L for them to take with them to boot. 

Aceves boasts a low 90's fastball, a curve ball, a change, as well as a cut fastball.  Not a bad bag of tricks for a starter.  This guy has been given a shot and one would imagine he may be quite the surprise given the expectations in March this year, or lack there of.

Tonight Yankee fans will get to see for sure what Alfredo is made of.  Tonight he leads the Yankees deep into hostile territory.  The Red Sox have already sealed the Yankees fate and the Fenway Faithful will be sure to let them know about it.  This will be a true test for a pitcher aspiring to make his name stick as a viable option for next year's rotation.  If he passes this test tonight, look for him to grace discussion for the rotation next year.

Imagine if he shuts down the BoSox.  He will force himself into the discussion.  A good showing tonight will cause eyebrows to raise, and his name will be remembered next spring.  It seems that should already be the case considering the reputation other inexperienced pitchers have built in less time with lesser results.

If you read enough about prospective moves for the Yankees this off-season, you will come across names of great baseball players.  You will hear, C.C. Sabathia, you will A.J. Burnett, a trade for Roy Halliday?  Even after his great start in the majors, which rivals if not overshadows anything Hughes or Kennedy did last year, no one is talking about Aceves as an option.  Maybe the Yanks should look right in their own lap.  It seems to this writer that something great may have just fallen into it.  This guy could make piecing together a rotation next year that much easier, and he is already a Yankee.

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