Al Bello via Getty Images
ヤンキースの田中将大投手が新人王ランキングで首位を独走している。ESPNが「ルーキーランキング タナカが圧倒的」という特集を組み、レッズやナショナルズでかつて強化責任者を務めたジム・ボウデン氏が、実力者の揃う今季のルーキーの格付けを行った。
■田中は"新人王ランキング"と"FA移籍選手の価値"両方でトップ
ヤンキースの田中将大投手が新人王ランキングで首位を独走している。ESPNが「ルーキーランキング タナカが圧倒的」という特集を組み、レッズやナショナルズでかつて強化責任者を務めたジム・ボウデン氏が、実力者の揃う今季のルーキーの格付けを行った。その中で、衝撃的な活躍を続けている田中は首位に選ばれている。
特集では日本人右腕について「もしも、今季が今日終われば、タナカはア・リーグのサイ・ヤング賞と新人王をダブル受賞するだろう。このレベルでのピッチングを続ければ、オールスターで先発するはず。田中は輝きを放ち続けている。彼の高速のスプリットはすでに球界で最高だ。スプリット以外のボールは相当過小評価されているが、制球も最高だ」と伝えている。
メジャートップの11勝（1敗）、リーグトップの防御率1・99という成績を残している田中に対する評価は絶大だ。三振の山を築く宝刀のスプリットは球界最高との評価。また、「昨シーズンの"FA移籍選手の価値"という観点でも、田中はトップ」とし、田中に次ぐ存在として今季7勝3敗で防御率2・39のジャイアンツ右腕ティム・ハドソンと今季ア・リーグ2位の22本塁打をマークしているオリオールズのネルソン・クルーズの名前が挙がっている。
田中の最大のライバルは、ホセ・アブレイユ
2位はホワイトソックスのホセ・アブレイユ一塁手。27歳のキューバ人強打者は20日時点で打率2割6分8厘、21本塁打、54打点。新人王というカテゴリーでは、田中の最大のライバルと目されている。「メジャーは新たな表彰を新設する必要がある。両リーグに新人王の投手部門と野手部門があるべきだ。なぜなら、アブレイユがリーグMVPに輝きながら、新人王では田中に敗れるという事態は想像に難くない」とも伝えている。
また、今季の新人選手の活躍から、「サイ・ヤング賞とMVPという賞が存在する以上、ルーキーも同じ扱いにすべきだ」と指摘。アブレイユについて「インパクトを与える選手で近年なら新人王を獲得していただろうが、タナカがいる。アブレイユは2位に留まるしかない」とも分析している。
3位に入っているのはアストロズのジョージ・スプリンガー外野手。打率2割4分7厘で13本塁打、38打点。田中とアブレイユの数字には見劣りするが、「タナカとアブレイユが日本とキューバでのキャリアを持つために、ルーキーと呼ぶべきでないと主張する人には、スプリンガーが新人王の最有力候補となる」と説明している。今季開幕後にマイナーから昇格したコネチカット州出身の24歳のアメリカ人ルーキーはアストロズ再建の大きな役割を果たすと見られている。
4位に入っているのは田中の同僚で、ヤンキースの中継ぎの星、デリン・ベタンセス投手。「8回を任せられるリリーフとしては球界最高の投手。オールスターにも出場するだろう」とボウデン氏は高く評価する。20日時点で、4勝0敗で防御率は1・50の右腕は近い将来、ヤンキースのクローザーとなる可能性も指摘されている。
5位はロイヤルズのドミニカ出身の23歳の右腕ヨーダノ・ベンチュラ。5勝5敗、防御率3・26で、ボウデン氏は後半戦でさらに活躍すると見ているようだ。また6位はレッドソックスのイグザンダー・ボガーツ内野手、7位はレッズのビリー・ハミルトン外野手、8位はタイガースのニック・カステラノス内野手、9位はレンジャーズのルーンド・オドール内野手、10位はマリナーズのロニエス・エリアス投手と続いている。
関連記事
(2014年6月21日「フルカウント」より転載)
田中将大画像集
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(01 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.The Yankees defeated the White Sox 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(02 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees is removed from a gamel against the Chicago White Sox by manager Joe Girardi in the 7th inning at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.The Yankees defeated the White Sox 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(03 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago Cubs(04 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 21: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Chicago Cubs on May 21, 2014 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago Cubs(05 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 20: Starter Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 20, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(06 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(07 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees salutes the fans as he walks off the field after the game against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.The New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 4-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(08 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates his single with teamates in the ninth inning against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(09 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees hits a single in the ninth inning as Anthony Recker #20 of the New York Mets defends during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(10 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates a 4-0 win against the New York Mets with Brian McCann #34 after their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(11 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates as he walks off the field in the eighth inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(12 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(13 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees takes grounds out to first in the fourth inning as Anthony Recker #20 of the New York Mets defends during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(14 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(15 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees takes his turn at bat in the second inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(16 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(17 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws in the bullpen before the inter league game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(18 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(19 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(20 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the second inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(21 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the fourth inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(22 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after pitching in the bottom of the second inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(23 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(24 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets ready to step to the plate during the top of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(25 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout before the interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(26 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after pitching in the first inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(27 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the top of the first inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(28 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(29 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(30 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees reacts in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(31 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Brian McCann #34 of the New York Yankees talks with Masahiro Tanaka #19 in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(32 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(33 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(34 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(35 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Yangervis Solarte #26 of the New York Yankees throws to first base over his teammate Masahiro Tanaka #19 against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(36 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(37 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(38 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(39 of86)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 17: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks in from a short workout before the start of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 17, 2014 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game Two(40 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees watches from the dugout during game two of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs are wearing the #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.The New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(41 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks off the field in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(42 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(43 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees sends the ball back to first base to try and pick off Junior Lake of the Chicago Cubs in the second inning during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(44 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks off the field after the second inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(45 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(46 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(47 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 12, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(48 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Fans hold a banner in reference to Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(49 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws the first pitch of the game against Nick Markakis #21 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(50 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: The scoreboard is seen after Masahiro Tanaka of the New York Yankees is introduced as the starting pitcher against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(51 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(52 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(53 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(54 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stands on the mound after surrendering a second inning three run home run against Jonathan Schoop #6 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(55 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stands on the mound after surrendering a second inning three run home run against Jonathan Schoop #6 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(56 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout prior to the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 8, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(57 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks on the field during batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 7, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(58 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 01: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees during battting practice before a game against the Houston Astros on opening day at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(59 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 01: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees is introduced before a game against the Houston Astros on opening day at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(60 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees makes his way from the bullpen after a pitching session before a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 2, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(61 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(62 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the first pitch of his MLB career in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(63 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the first pitch of his MLB career in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(64 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(65 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(66 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets the ball from the infield before delivering his first pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(67 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees rubs up a baseball in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(68 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees covers first base to record the putout on a groundout in the first inning during MLB game action by Colby Rasmus #28 of the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(69 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(70 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees comes off the mound after getting the last out of the fifth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(71 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(72 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the seventh inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(73 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(74 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees fields a grounder and throws out the baserunner in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(75 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(76 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(77 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(78 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks from the bullpen to the dugout with pitching coach Larry Rothschild #58 before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(79 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stretches in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(80 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the bullpen before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(81 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(82 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up doing long toss in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(83 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets the ball from Brian McCann #34 in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(84 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks on the field during batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 7, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(85 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(86 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)