With pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training just over a week ago, the New York Yankees have a lot to look forward to. Entering this season the Yanks have a solid core of starting pitching lead by ace C.C Sabathia and second-year sensation Ivan Nova.
In his first full season with the Bronx Bombers, Nova has impressed all with his performance. Nova ended the 2011 season with a remarkable record of 16-4 and while sporting a 3.70 ERA. His success on the mound can be contributed to his above-average control, resulting in a WHIP of 1.32.
Although Nova hasn’t been blowing fastballs by hitters, clocking in the low to mid 90's, he relies heavily on his off-speed and breaking pitches to keep hitters off-balanced. Nova also throws a deadly two-seam fastball to lock up hitters on the inside part of the plate. His control has also steadily progressed throughout this season, especially in his start against the Reds in which he did not issue a single walk. His combination of control and command has resulted in hitters struggling with a .256 batting average.
The question now is: how good can this kid be?
Nova is on a pitching staff that includes several Hall-of-Famers, multiple Cy Young Award winners, and most importantly World Series champions. He is surrounded by talent, greatness, and players who not only know how to play the game the right way but who also know how to win as well. Nova has the resources around him to learn from and to help develop into a more polished major league pitcher.
Regardless of Nova’s recent success, he is still young and has a lot to learn about pitching in the big leagues. However if he continues to pitch well and learns from the invaluable advice that his teammates have to offer then I have no doubt that he will pitch in the major leagues for a long, long time.
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