It’s been a strange season for the Yankees. I can’t remember another team with the best record in baseball have periods where you can be concerned about the offense, bullpen, and now starting pitching. After last night’s 12-9 win over Chicago, the Yankees continue to share the AL East lead with Tampa, and expanded their Wild Card lead to a comfortable 5.5 games. I can’t help but notice how the 2010 Yankees look an awfully lot like some of the 04 to 07 versions under Joe Torre.

Starting pitching, or lack thereof, has to be a concern for Brian Cashman. Last year they got away with winning a title with only three starters. Right now, they would sign for three quality starters. A.J. Burnett and Javier Vazquez are a mess, while Andy Pettitte clearly has his season in jeopardy due to health. If the playoffs start tomorrow is Sabathia, Hughes, and one of Burnett/Vazquez getting it done? In a longer series can you survive starting both? What exactly will Pettitte be able to contribute when and if he comes back? These are not the type of questions you want to discuss about your pitching staff on August 29th.

This sounds even worse when you factor in some of the age on offense, and inconsistencies in the bullpen. Of course, I am looking at the glass half empty, but this team is not peaking right now. Luckily they have a month to figure it out.

I have to imagine that Brian Cashman at least considers an arm from outside the organization. I can’t see the Yankees winning a playoff series without Pettitte, and his return can’t be treated as a sure thing. As excited as I am about Ivan Nova, there is no way you hand over your season to a kid with one big league start. Ted Lilly has joined Hiroki Kuroda on waivers, and I see no reason why the Yanks won’t be able to work out a deal for either. Lilly would be preferable thanks to his American League resume.

The bottom line: this Yankees team is not prepared for a playoff run. They are better than some of those late Torre era teams, especially with Sabathia as the ace, but not quite the juggernaut from last season. They probably will make the playoffs, may win the division, but I wouldn’t start printing those World Series tickets just yet.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Javier Vazquez, New York Yankees, Ted Lilly