It’s a big day for Ian Kennedy. A Major League debut is always a massive event for any person, but to make your debut for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium must be extra special. That the Yanks are currently embroiled in a tight battle with their arch-rivals from Boston adds even more to the day. Anyone who thinks that taking your bow against the Devil Rays is a gentle introduction to the Big Leagues isn’t paying attention. There are a lot of dangerous hitters in that line-up as Phil Hughes found out last night.
Seeing so many promising young hurlers in the Bronx this season makes a welcome change from dishing out lucrative multi-year deals to mediocrities such as Jaret Wright and Carl Pavano. Kennedy will join Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Edwar Ramirez as youngsters who have come through the Yankees’ system and made a positive impact this year. There’s every reason for the other twenty-nine Major League teams to be a bit worried by this development. The Yanks already have a big advantage when it comes to spending power; if they can fill several roster sports with cheap, but highly talented youngsters, it will be even more difficult to match their offers for the top free agents. That’s the nature of competition though, everyone else will have to figure out a way to fight back.
Kennedy has compiled a 12-3 record with a stingy 1.91 ERA in 26 games (25 starts) while moving quickly through Single A, Double A and Triple A this season. The next step up to the Majors is a big one, but his record suggests he’s ready. First pitch is 18.05 BST.
