FanHouse AlfredoAceves

In Advanced Scouting, MLB FanHouse's professional talent evaluator breaks down each of the playoff teams from a scouting perspective.

Despite their great number of strengths, no team is without their holes and the Yankees are no different. The Yankees have tightened up their defense in the last year to match up more favorably against fundamentals-oriented teams like the Angels, but that has not changed the pace they like to play at. Pace is not an often discussed factor in baseball, but a team like the Yankees thrives on controlling the pace of the action and using its steady, methodical approach to win ballgames.

While their potent offense may typically be the reason for their long games, it is the rhythm of the Yankee starting staff that will need to be disrupted. If pitchers of the caliber of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte are given breathing room, they will only be more difficult to handle.

Bad news for anyone headed to Pawtucket tonight to catch Chien-Ming Wang pitch against the Triple-A Red Sox. The Yankees have called the rehabbing starter back to the Bronx, and he'll be in uniform for the Yankees' game against the Phillies on Friday night.

The Yankees have made the move as a precautionary measure in response to the line drive Joba Chamberlain took off his knee in the first inning on Thursday. Alfredo Aceves pitched 3 1/3 innings following Chamberlain's departure, leaving the team short a long man. There's also a chance that Chamberlain may be forced to miss his start on Tuesday night, so Wang could slot into that spot.

Wondering which young players could have an impact in the majors this year? Let MLB FanHouse guide the way in Better Know a Prospect. In this edition we look at three players from the New York Yankees who could help the bullpen this season.

Mark Melancon, RP: A first-round talent with questions about the health of his arm, Melancon fell to the Yankees in the ninth round of the 2006 draft. He wound up needing Tommy John surgery, but has recovered his velocity and command. He throws hard and has an above-average curveball, which he used to strike out 22 batters in 20 Triple-A innings in 2008. He's unlikely to break camp with the Bombers, but could provide a boost to the bullpen around mid-season. If all breaks right, Melancon will be in the mix to replace Mariano Rivera as the team's closer one day, if not, he should still be an effective relief pitcher.