Predictions sure to result in an Epic Failure.

So I think it’s time to introduce a new feature to this blog. I’m calling it “Predictions sure to result in Epic Failure.” I’m going to put my “vast” baseball knowledge to the test and start making predictions. If my predictions don’t happen, then I’ve failed just like I said I would. If predictions do happen, I look like a genius. I can’t lose.

Today’s prediction is focusing on the Yankees 2012 Starting Rotation…

Six guys competing for five spots on the pitching rotation. Out of those six, only two have a guaranteed spot. Let’s look at the names:

CC Sabathia – Guaranteed spot on the rotation. Ace of the team. Opening Day pitcher. Look for another 20-Win season with an ERA in the low 3.00s this year. ‘Nuff said.

Hiroki Kuroda – According to news outlets, Hiroki is also guaranteed a spot on the starting rotation. Huh? HK has only had one winning season in the majors, and barely at that (8-7 in 2009). He does have a career ERA in the 3.00s (3.45) and he does eat up innings (208). He did play for the Dodgers that last 4 years so it’s possible he simply didn’t have the run support. He should have plenty of run support with Yankees.

Phil Hughes – Let’s call him “The Great White Hope.” With an electrifying 2010 season in which he went 18-8 and was voted and All-Star, it was expected that he would improve on that… Or at least match it. What we got in 2011 was not pretty at all. Plagued with injuries, Phil went 5-5 and didn’t even remotely resemble the Phil Hughes of 2010. He’s got something to prove this season and expect to see him return to 2010 numbers.

Ivan Nova – I made the mistake last season of saying that Nova would be traded for Ubaldo Jimenez. I still think Ubaldo is a great pitcher, but I’m glad Ivan is still with the Yankees. I expect him to have a 15+ win season and lower his ERA to under 3.40.

Michael Pineda – Pineda is going into his sophomore season and the Yankees have high expectations of him. I believe that the pressure of playing in New York is going to affect him. He will get a starting position out of spring training only to lose it 2 months into the season.

Freddy Garcia – This guy is going to have a Cinderella season. I expect him to start the season in the bullpen, but he’ll be in the rotation when Pineda “loses” it. He has experience and, if he has the patience, I believe he will also go 15+ wins this season. He’s the one that’s going to keep the Yankees on track towards the post-season.

So, in conclusion, the 2012 Starting Day Rotation is going to look like this:

CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes, Michael Pineda

But expect it to look like this by All-Star Break

CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Hiroki Kuroda, Phil Hughes, Freddy Garcia

Of course, I could be totally wrong.

It wouldn't be the first time.