Looking In His Prime, Sabathia Leads Yankees Past Bosox

Vintage CC. Ah, I love it when I can use that moniker. Of course, it doesn't really describe today's CC Sabathia, who has learned to pitch in his "old age," but, whatever. Vintage CC it is.

What a line: 8IP, 5H, 0R, 0BB, 5K. He threw 95 pitches, 64 for strikes. Mixed in there was a sick bare-hand grab and put-out that made him look like he was in his prime. I believe he retired his last 12 batters in a row.

This is so welcome at a time when the Yankees' in-name-only ace, Masahiro Tanaka, continues to be an utter mystery. If the rest of the rotation (Pineda, Montgomery and Severino) can pitch this well too, or even close to it, they won't miss Tanaka at all. 

There is talk that they could push back Tanaka's next start. He is scheduled to pitch the homestand finale against the Orioles on Sunday. However, if he pitches in Anaheim the next day, it would be against a weaker-hitting team in a bigger ballpark. Last I heard, pitching coach Larry Rothschild was going to try to convince Joe Girardi that this is the way to go.

Welcome back, Chase Headley and Chris Carter! Did you guys enjoy your sleep, or have you just gotten up for a glass of water? Time will tell.

Time for Michael Pineda to keep the line moving. He faces David Price in the rubber game tonight. Hopefully the Yankees' success against this lefty can continue.