MLB

Who can start to fill void for Yankees

The Yankees entered this winter with starting pitching as their top priority. They were spurned by Cliff Lee, and now Andy Pettitte is retiring. That leaves some big holes in the rotation. Here’s a look at the candidates to fill the five starting spots:

THE LOCKS

CC Sabathia (21-7, 3.18 ERA in 2010)

The ace finished third in Cy Young balloting, but is coming off knee surgery and will turn 31 in July.

A.J. Burnett (10-15, 5.26)

Pettitte’s decision puts even more pressure on the 34-year-old, who had an awful second season in The Bronx.

Phil Hughes (18-8, 4.19)

In his first full year as a starter, the 24-year-old had a strong first half and an inconsistent second half.

THE CONTENDERS

Ivan Nova (1-2, 4.50)

The Yankees are high on this 24-year-old, who came up at the end of August last year and made nine starts. The biggest question is: Can he last past the fifth inning?

Sergio Mitre (0-3, 3.33)

Spent most of last season as a long reliever and did not fare well when asked to replace an injured Pettitte. Yankees are in trouble if Mitre ends up as the fifth starter.

Freddy Garcia

(12-6, 4.64 for White Sox)

If healthy, Garcia could give the Yankees some meaningful innings. He pitched 28 games for the White Sox last year after battling arm problems the previous three seasons.

The mystery starter

GM Brian Cashman is surely searching for a starter on the trade market. He could also add veteran Kevin Milwood, who remains a free agent.

THE LONG SHOTS

Bartolo Colon

(did not pitch in 2010)

The Yankees inked Colon to a minor league deal, but the veteran is far removed from his days as a Cy Young winner.

Andrew Brackman,

Hector Noesi,

David Phelps,

Adam Warren

The Yankees could use one of their young arms, but don’t expect to see top prospects Dellin Betances or Manuel Banuelos.