14 Days, 14 Players: Ian Kennedy

Everyday until spring training begins the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog will review one player from the Yankees roster. We will review a total of 27 players, the 25 we believe will be on the active roster after spring training, and 2 we believe should be on the active roster but won't be for one reason or another. Our reviews are all edited by Carl Pavano himself to insure they're up to the stringent "Pavano Tough" standards.

With Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain making big splashes with the Yankees, Ian Kennedy came in rather quietly. After a September call up with the Yanks, Kennedy started 3 games with a 1.89 ERA. He had two 7-inning, 1 run outings against the Rays and the Blue Jays, and a 5 inning, 2 run effort against the Royals. Anyone who watched the Blue Jays game could tell you how crafty he looked, and how off balanced he kept those hitters. Although his stuff wasn't entirely overpowering, he did strike out 7 batters in that game.

My Fearless Prediction:

Kennedy will not start in the rotation as Mussina will probably gain Girardi's confidence in spring training. Kennedy may start the season in the bullpen, and move down to triple A to keep regular starts. He will soon return to the big leagues and win 10 games down the stretch with an ERA in the mid 3 range. If Kennedy wins the spot out of spring training you can expect anywhere between 13-15 wins with a similar ERA.

Little Known IPK Fact: Ian Kennedy break dance battled everyone on the set of the movie "You Got Served" and won.