The Kids Come to New York City

Last night maybe the two best pitchers in baseball were pitching in New York. And yes, those two are both only 24 years old. Scott Kazmir went to the mound at Yankee Stadium while Tim Lincecum went to the mound at Shea Stadium. Both will be at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday for the All-Star game, but last night was the chance to watch these two studs throw in the biggest city in the world.

However, while Lincecum and Kazmir were pitching, the night went to another youngster; Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey defeated Lincecum, going seven scoreless innings while striking out five. Pelfrey is now 5-0 in his last eight starts with an ERA of 2.70. His season record is now 7-6 and his ERA is below 4 (3.93).

On the other side of the Triborough Bridge, Andy Pettitte showed Kazmir that he's been a very good lefty since before Kazmir entered high school. Pettitte was definitely a senior citizen on this night for pitchers in New York.

But it's truly a refreshing feel seeing young stars taking the mound, and maybe even another young one ready to blossom. What Kazmir and Lincecum are doing are in ways comparable to how all those great pitcher from way back when busted onto the scene. They are mowing people down and doing it very, very easily.

Maybe the best part about seeing young pitchers develop is the fact that this decade is most recognized for big hitting. And the reality is the real die-hard baseball fans absolutely loves his nine-inning pitchers duel.

Just taking the New York games last night, they were mostly a pitchers duel. While the final results read the Mets winning 7-0 and the Yankees winning 5-0, if you watched these games you saw a pitcher on each side having command. Yeah, the Mets got to Lincecum with the long ball, but other than that nothing more could really be done. And for the Yankees, they got to Kazmir early and his night was done after six. But it was something at least a little special (unless you're a Rays or Giants fan) having four pitchers in one city who just know how to pitch. There were the three kids and an old guy... OK, older guy.

But you know what, those kids are alright.


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