Conventional logic dictates that Freddy Garcia and Ivan Nova will win the last two spots in the Yankees rotation. Assuming Kevin Millwood continues to hold out at the Scott Boras compound for a big league deal, the remaining options are Bartolo Colon, Sergio Mitre, and a bunch of kids. One discussion we’ve been having on the past two shows was regarding which prospect has the best chance of cracking the rotation.

On Thursday, Jed Weisberger of MILB told us why he believed David Phelps is a potential sleeper this spring. The 24 year old righty from Notre Dame started 11 games in Triple-A, winning 4, and producing a 3.07 ERA.

In Sunday’s New York Daily News both Bill Madden and Mark Feinsand focused on some of the Yankees young arms.

Madden lamented the Yankees philosophy on limiting young pitchers innings and not giving top prospects Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances a legitimate shot at the rotation. Both clearly are ticketed for Double-A Trenton, and probably won’t sniff a big league mound until 2012 the earliest.

The other names frequently discussed are D.J. Mitchell, Hector Noesi, Adam Warren, and Andrew Brackman. Both Mitchell and Noesi started only three games at Scranton last year, while Brackman started the year in High A Tampa and ended up with Trenton in the Eastern League. Warren, 23, made 10 impressive starts in Double-A.

Feinsand talked about how Brackman, who played two years of basketball at NC State, is using the hardwood to condition for the upcoming baseball season. He took the reader into the reasons behind the ’09 struggles post Tommy John surgery and what Brackman is doing this year to develop his craft. After reading the piece you get a great fell about Brackman’s ability to adjust to the challenges the highest levels of the game will present. This is provided he stays healthy.

Last night, NYBD contributor Joe Delgrippo discussed many of these kids and believes that perhaps Brackman could have the best shot of cracking the rotation. This is due to the age (26) and financial commitment (4 year $4.5 million dollar deal) the Yankees have made since they drafted him in the first round in 2007. Delgrippo, like many I have talked to, ultimately believes Brackman profiles better as a reliever long term. Perhaps this is the “heir apparent” to Mariano Rivera when the immortal one retires at some point.

Of course, the Yankees clearly favor the veterans and the real competition is between Sergio Mitre, Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia, and Ivan Nova.

The good news is that most teams need eight starting pitchers to navigate a 162 game schedule. Depending on development, the Yankees could have as many as 11 starting pitching options this year.

To listen to us talk Yankees baseball during the first 30 minutes of last night’s show download the replay here.

Also, what kid do you believe have the best shot to make the staff at some point this year?

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: Adam Warren, Andrew Brackman, Bartolo Colon, D.J Mitchell, David Phelps, Dellin Betances, Freddy Garcia, Hector Noesi, Ivan Nova, Manuel Banuelos, New York Yankees, Sergio Mitre