The New York Yankees made a very propitious trade last month and acquired a very talented pitcher from the Seattle Mariners. Michael Pineda the rookie phenom who had a promising start to his career is now a New York Yankee. It seems the Yankees have beefed up their starting pitching and increased their chances considerably of making another World Series appearance.

The main issue with the Yankees last year was their starting pitching and with the off-season pick-ups they have acquired, it appears as if they are in a powerful position. The last few years the Yankees have not made it very far in the playoffs. The reason is pretty simple, the fact is that the Yanks are getting old. Even though the older players are still effective, my concern is they are not as spirited as they once were.

In order for the Yankees to win a World Series again, they need that burning desire motivating them. I believe this year they are beginning to-attain that passion with the younger talent making their way into the majors. Although, they had to give up their top prospect, Jesus Montero a catcher with great hitting potential. Montero did have one flaw though, his skills were still raw on the defensive side of the ball. I think the Yankees obtained the better deal in the trade and Pineda will-demonstrate that to Yankee fans this year.

I just hope that Pineda doesn't fall into "the curse of the pinstripe pitchers." The Yanks have had so many talented pitchers who pitched great in every other ball-park, except Yankee stadium. Maybe the crowd noise is too distracting for them or they just can't handle the pressure that the Yankee fans demands of them. I have seen it many times and for once I really hope it doesn't happen again. Pineda did pitch against the Yanks last year, but it was in Seattle. So, we don't know exactly how he will fare in Yankee stadium yet.

Fans will soon find out how Pineda performs this year, as spring training is around the corner. The Yankees also picked-up a few other players that should-provide a spark for the ball-club. From the Dodgers they acquired Hiroki Kuroda, a very good pitcher who should vastly improve their rotation. Kuroda should win at-least 15 games this year, as long as he pitches to his potential than there will be no complications. Bill Hall was another addition, but we can only hope he returns to his 2005-2006 form. The last few years or so he has-been-struggling a great deal, so they might have to-be very patient with him.

In conclusion, the Yankee fans should see the light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel as the upcoming season approaches. I know as a true Yankee fan, I am very excited to see how the season unfolds. There are still many questions that still have to-be answered throughout the season and they will draw a lot of attention. Like, will Mariano Rivera still be effective in the closer role? Will Jeter continue his second-half success or will his first-half struggles come back to haunt him? These questions will-be-answered very soon and as spring-time approaches will be time to embark on another stimulating baseball season.The New York Yankees made a very propitious trade last month and acquired a very talented pitcher from the Seattle Mariners. Michael Pineda the rookie phenom who had a promising start to his career is now a New York Yankee. It seems the Yankees have beefed up their starting pitching and increased their chances considerably of making another World Series appearance.