Sweet 16


Big things have long been expected from Michael Pineda. A dominating first half of his rookie season with the Mariners landed him on the 2011 American League All Star team -- before a second-half slump raised some questions. Traded that winter to the Yankees for another "can't miss" prospect, Jesus Montero, Pineda reported to his first Yankee camp out of shape and began experiencing shoulder problems. Surgery was needed, which basically cost him the next two seasons. Ready to join the Yankee rotation in 2014, he showed glimpses of top level ability, before being caught using pine tar -- leading to a suspension and another arm injury. Pineda finished the season with just 13 starts and 5 - 5 record.
So far in 2015, he's been close to a revelation: dominant at times, he's raced to a 5 - 0 record, especially impressive considering the health issues of teammates Masahiro Tanaka and Chris Capuano and the decline of CC Sabathia.
Sunday was his best outing yet: 7 innings of one-run ball with 16 strikeouts AND NO WALKS. Check those numbers again --  All those k's pushed his pitch count over 100 -- he left after seven innings at 111 -- meaning there's still room for improvement.
In his fourth Yankee season, Pineda could finally be fulfilling his tremendous promise. In fact, it's fair to consider him the ace of the Yankees pitching staff.
Monday, Pineda was named the American League Player of the Week: he won both his starts. Between his games against Toronto and Baltimore,e he posted an ERA of 0.60.. 

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