The Yankees gave out Masahiro Tanaka bobblehead dolls Tuesday, celebrating the pitcher who electrified the major leagues early last season. The toy Tanaka is striding confidently toward the plate, his elbow cocked behind him, his hand gripping a four-seam fastball. That is the image the team wants to project of its ace.
One false move, of course, and the whole thing could crack into pieces. The real Tanaka, who cost the Yankees $175 million, seems just as fragile as the giveaway.
Tanaka had been scheduled to pitch against Tampa Bay on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.