Yankees sign Tanaka

I knew the Yankees were going to sign Masahiro Tanaka when it was between them and the Cubs. I'm a little surprised that he was given 7 years and $155 million more surprised with the years. I was assuming 5 years and $110 million but I do know that this was a bid and the Yankees were going to over spend the Cubs and Dodgers (since they finished signing Kershaw) so it was a bit expected. The problem with these major contracts that we have been seeing in baseball is based on expectations.  I did see that the Yankees are allowed to opt after 4 years so that works pretty well. He is young which is a great plus, I am hoping he is like Darvish or at least close to him. I saw a stat that his workload has been longer than those of Darvish and Matsuzaka, if this offense produces better than it did last year that will help him out. I would be content with him pitching 200 innings and an ERA of around 3, I can't be a typical Yankee fan and assume he will pull off his past Japanese season in the MLB because there is no way he is going 24-0 and 1.27 ERA pitching in the AL East. 

Now for the Yankees they have Tanaka, CC, Kuroda and Nova. I like how Nova pitched later in the season and we will see what the Yankees will do about the 5th spot. I don't mind giving Phelps a chance but the Yankees have this win now mentality so here's hoping they don't sign a 35+ year old pitcher. If Jeter and Tex stays healthy which is a huge if and the additions they made can stay healthy as well I think the Yankees can do well this season. I have no idea who will be their second and third baseman. Every team goes through some kind of injury so only time will tell what happens. I won't expect a World Series with the Cardinals, Tigers, Rays and Rangers pretty filled in their roster and playoff experience. If they do win this year I hope it won't be a repeat of 2009 when they signed players won one championship and then nosedived the next few seasons.