Chicago Cubs (4-8) @ New York (7-6): 2 Game set

[Dr. Detfink]

After taking 3 out of 4 from the Red Sawx, the Yankees are finally over .500 and they can give themselves some breathing room if they show up against the Chicago Cubs, a franchise that hasn't won a World Series since the bomb was dropped on Japan.

Speaking of Japan Kuroda, Tanaka have been innings eaters. Despite CC Sabbathia looking more and more like a #4 or #5 6-inning pitcher, the rotation looks solid. If Pineda and Nova can continue their strong performances, the Yanks will be ok in the pursuit of the post season.

Offensively, the Yanks have a very strong 1-3. Gardner, Jeter, Ellsbury is poetry in motion. Strengthened by the 9th spot whether it's Ichiro OR the ever impressive 26 year old rookie Solarte.

Meanwhile, it's always hard to understand where the Cubs are going. Theo Epstein's magic has a reputation that precedes him but he's in a much different situation. Can he turn this franchise around sooner rather than later? Too hard to tell.

Let's GO Yanks!

[Dr. Detfink]

Tanaka just freezing the Cubbies on those called 3rd strikes...6Ks through 5.

Seems to me McCann and Soriano are streaky as heck but once again, the contact hitters in the Yanks 1-3 are doing the damage: Gardner-Beltran-Ellsbury.

Yanks are doing a great job of manufacturing runs for the second run of the game. Solarte has been moved up in the order and he's worked 2 walks.

That said, this team's lack of power is disconcerting. The Yanks really, really NEED a guy who can get them some RBIs and puts pressure.

[jeff1624]

Tanaka with strikeout number 7. He's been a stud thus far.

[j4remi]

So Tanaka with 25 SO's so far in his first 3 major league starts. I'm pretty sure I read that 25 SO's was the record for an American Leaguer's first three starts in the majors.

[Dr. Detfink]

Tanaka goes 8 innings with 10Ks, saving the pen for the second game in the double header.

I never thought Tanaka had the "stuff" that Darvish has BUT he knows how to pitch. He understands how to select pitches and frame a batter. That is kind of what the Yanks need from a guy coming into a completely new league to absorb the game and make adjustments quickly.

Ellsbury is having a blistering April. Obviously it's still early but he's killing it at the #3 slot.

GIVE Girardi credit who is doing a great job rotating the talent and finding the slots that fit the player. He's got the Yanks stealing bases, hit/run, and sacrificing. IF Joe can get that RBI guy the Yanks need...this is a filthy team of bada$$ery.

[Dr. Detfink]

Nice Shut out! Pineda takes the mound next. What a follow up. Hope he keeps the dirt off his hand.

[j4remi]

Just heard tanaka has the fourth most strike outs thru three games for a player making his major league debut. This kid is really something else. He's gotten caught the few times his splitter has hung up but that happens to any pitcher. When you consider his first two opponents, he's been that much more impressive.

Pineda, the other young gun can really stoke the flames with a big performance.

I'm actually excited to watch this team which hasn't been true the past few years tbh. Two young starters with big potential and a line up that doesn't rely solely on the long ball to score...this is fun.

[ccvle]

everyone is talking about his Ks but i'm more impressed with his control. 2 walks in three games.

[Dr. Detfink]

Back to back shut outs!

[draftbarnes]

the pitching looks grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat