The Yankees avoided the sweep by beating the Orioles 11-2 on Thursday. A.J. Burnett pitched a solid 5 1/3 innings. I believe he is going to be a major difference maker in the upcoming season. For the first time in quite a few years, the Yankees have three frontline starters in their rotation. If they all can stay healthy, this should limit any long losing streaks.

Pitching (similar to hitting) is contagious. For example, If Sabathia and Wang pitch back-to-back solid games, Burnett is going to build off of this momentum -not wanting to be the starter that gets knocked out early. This then carries down the line to Pettitte and Chamberlain. The competitive nature of athletes allows them to build off of each others successes. It’s this mentality that can cause a pitching staff to get hot and carry a club.

The Yankees are in Kansas City for the home opener of the remodeled Kaufman Stadium. Here are the upcoming pitching matchups:

Friday: LHP Andy Pettitte (0-0. 0.00) for the Yankees vs. RHP Sydney Ponson (0-0, 0.00), 4:10

Saturday: RHP Joba Chamberlain (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Horacio Ramirez (0-0, 0.00), 7:10

Sunday: LHP C.C. Sabathia (0-1, 12.46) vs. RHP Gil Meche (0-0, 1.29), 2:10