Who Is Chase Wright?

A lot has been made this preseason about what the Yankees would be able to do in case their starting rotation got bit by the injury bug.  Well, Chien-Ming Wang and potential 5th starter Jeff Karstens began the season on the DL, and now both Mike Mussina and (Surprise, Surprise) “Iron Man” Carl Pavano have landed on the DL as well.  That basically makes the Yankee rotation for the time being to be anchored by Andy Pettitte, Kei Igawa, and Darrell Rasner…..yeeeeesh.

But unlike years past, the Yankees are now rich in starting pitching prospects.  Phil Hughes was ranked the 2nd best pitching prospect in all of baseball only behind Dice-K Matsuzaka, and others who were ranked included Humberto Sanchez and Joba Chamberlain.  It was also expected that someone like Tyler Clippard might get the call if necessary…but no.  The Yankees rotation needs to be saved right now, and this job calls for one….Chase Wright?

I can understand why.  In AA this season, Wright has gone 14 innings striking out 19 batters, only walking one, and not allowing a single run.  But a jump from AA to the Majors is a big one, and i’m sure Wright will find out the hard way that what works at the lower levels doesn’t quite work in the majors. 

Frankly I have no idea why the Yankees are going to him over all these other highly touted prospects, but I guess forcing their top youngsters to bail them out of what might be a very disappointing April might be too difficult a task, and might threaten their confidence and growth should they not succeed.  If Chase Wright doesn’t succeed, that means his confidence will be shot, but i couldn’t care less if that means his scoreless streak in Trenton won’t continue.

Wright will be dueling with Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook tonight.  Jake is a contact pitcher so the Yanks could be able to get a few runs in if the bats wake up.  Perhaps an early lead will help Chase settle into his major league debut.

But I highly doubt it.