Domingo German Is Baseball's Best Kept Secret And The Best Pitcher In New York Right Now

There have been a lot of guys who have stepped up for the Yankees this season, with a ton of starters sidelined on the injured list. I think the guy who has seemingly come out of nowhere to carry the biggest load has been Domingo German. The current ace of the New York Yankees is not Luis Severino, it’s not James Paxton, it’s not Masahiro Tanaka. It’s Domingo German.

Back in 2014 the Marlins traded Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo German to the Yankees for Martin Prado and David Phelps. He was basically a throw-in. The Marlins really do get absolutely routed in every trade they make. Well, for his first few seasons in the big leagues, Domingo had shown flashes of brilliance along with leaving a lot to be desired. His stuff is undeniably great, but inconsistencies with his control and mechanics really made him a bit of an after thought, at least entering this year after posting a 5.57 ERA in 85.2 innings in 2018. With Severino out for what now is going to be at least the first half of the year, you would think Cashman would go make a move to fortify this rotation. Well, German has created a situation where that’s not even a thought right now, which is CRAZY.

Entering yesterday, he’s where he ranked among AL starting pitchers.

I don’t have the updated rankings, but after a six and two-thirds outing of one run ball you can guess he’s risen even higher. Through seven appearances now (six starts) he’s working with a 2.35 ERA, holding opponents to a .158 batting average.

He hasn’t just been the best starting pitcher on the team this season, he’s been one of the best in the entire league. That’s not an exaggeration. That’s not a biased take. As of May 6th, Domingo German would be either your first or second choice to start the All Star Game in Cleveland. We’re seeing a guy put it all together before our very eyes and it’s fucking awesome. The dude is dripping with confidence on the mound and his pitches are dancing because of it. His curveball has become a goddamn weapon.

I legit get excited when I see Domingo is that day’s starting pitcher, especially on a Sunday where we get Domingo on a Domingo.

Now obviously it’s May 6th, and we’re only six starts into this thing, but I feel like said that after two starts and then three and then four. He just keeps on impressing. Yesterday came against a very good hitting Twins ball club and it didn’t matter.

Just think of where this staff would be right now without him? Sevy down. Paxton temporarily down (we hope). CC solid, but nowhere near an ace level anymore. Tanaka has been a bit of a mixed bag. Happ has been pretty much terrible. This team is 19-14 and not below .500 because of the German. The rest of baseball needs to take notice. Right now, he’s the best pitcher in New York (yeah I’m looking right at you fuck face Thor and DeGrom).

Now that you got 480 words on Domingo German, let’s talk about the best Yankees reliever right now, maybe ever according to some stats (kidding, kinda).

Let me list you all of the players in Yankees history who have recording 11 consecutive appearances without allowing a hit or a run: Tommy Kahnle.

Now let me list you the guys in Major League history to record at least one strikeout but not allow a hit or run in 11 straight relief appearances: Ernesto Frieri, Koji Uehara, and Thomas Robert Kahnle. What a motley crew.

Yeah, that’s how good he’s been for this team. I have him right at the top of my bullpen trust tree with Ottavino and Chapman right below. This bullpen has absolutely been a letdown so far, especially with Chad Green forgetting how to pitch and Dellin being hurt. Kahnle has stepped up in a huge way to become our “most important outs” guy. He’s back to throwing 97 mph and no longer drinking 6 Red Bulls and two coffees a day. 2017 Kahnle was a weapon that helped that team get to the ALCS. We lost that guy last year with whatever he had going on, but it’s safe to say he’s returned in 2019 and he’s here to stay. I fucking love Bulldog Tommy Kahnle and life is a lot more enjoyable with him back in it.

The Yankees just took 2 of 3 from the 19-10 first place Twins. Now they’re the Twins and they’ll always be our bitch, but beating a team over .500 felt good. The Yankees are quietly getting guys back, with Clint returning tonight. Gary is one of the hottest hitters in baseball. Hicks is about 10 days away I think. Giancarlo maybe a little after that? Paxton hopefully just down for a few starts. The replacement guys have done an incredible job, but that just gives me a glimpse into the future with a healthy squad and total world domination. Imagine if they’re in first at the All Star Break somehow and then you get Luis Severino, Didi Gregorius, and Aaron Judge back? Game over.

New podcast out today where we go over the Twins series and interview Mike Ford about his long road to the big leagues and what it’s been like these last few weeks on the team.