Sure, let's get an ace.

Let's say Tanaka throws a no-hitter tonight with 22 strikeouts. The Yankees could still use an ace:

"Say hello to Masahiro Tanaka’s start Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Rays. At this time last year, the Yankees’ $175 million investment looked like a bargain. Tanaka was 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and the favorite to win the AL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year."

He was also in the midst of a hand-wringing losing streak.


"Now, with the July 31 trading deadline approaching, the Yankees would like to know what they have in Tanaka. And if it comes back that the 26-year-old pitcher is more of the same hurler who was spanked in his previous two outings, then the Yankees might have to part with prospects they would rather not trade to acquire a front-end starter, because the AL East is wide open and the Yankees have missed the postseason for two straight seasons."

The Yankees would like to know what they have in Tanaka! Tonight's game is the final determinant!

Can I please say something?

The Yankees could always use an ace. If Tanaka does not qualify as an ace, then are there even any aces left in MLB?

If the Yankees did this ... if the Yankees traded unnamed prospects to acquire an unnamed front-end starter ... this front-end starter certainly wouldn't replace Tanaka in the rotation.

You know which pitcher would be replaced. He is a large man who uses his initials to identify himself instead of his full first name and full middle name, but for some reason, doesn't use periods to signify the abbreviation.


"When Tanaka returned from the wrist and forearm issues June 3 in Seattle, the Yankees were encouraged for three starts — in which he went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA, allowed 17 hits, didn’t issue a walk and whiffed 21.

The next two starts against the Tigers and Astros tripped loud alarms. In 10 innings Tanaka gave up 17 hits (six homers), 11 earned runs, four walks and struck out 11. Most disturbing was he flushed a 6-0 lead in Houston in his last start."

Tanaka will probably pitch well tonight.

If he gets defensive support, offensive support, and bullpen support, then I predict a Yankee victory.