Meaning: This quote by Keith Hernandez, a former professional baseball player, is a commentary on the comparative strength of the starting pitchers of the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The quote highlights the perceived advantage that the Yankees possess in terms of their starting pitching rotation in comparison to the Diamondbacks. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the context of the teams and their respective starting pitchers.

The New York Yankees, one of the most storied and successful franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, have a reputation for assembling formidable starting pitching rotations. Over the years, they have been associated with legendary pitchers such as Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry, and more recently, CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka. The Yankees have consistently invested in acquiring top-quality starting pitchers to bolster their rotation, and this has often been a key factor in their success on the field.

On the other hand, the Arizona Diamondbacks, a relatively younger franchise compared to the Yankees, have had their own share of talented pitchers but may not have had the same level of depth and consistency in their starting rotation. The quote by Keith Hernandez suggests that the Diamondbacks' starting pitching options are limited, as they only have two quality starting pitchers, whereas the Yankees are perceived to have four such pitchers.

The significance of this quote lies in the importance of starting pitchers in the game of baseball. In MLB, starting pitchers play a crucial role in determining the outcome of games, as they are responsible for setting the tone early in the game and pitching deep into the innings to give their team a chance to win. A strong starting rotation can often be a decisive factor in a team's overall performance throughout the season and in postseason play.

For the Diamondbacks, the quote may serve as a point of reflection on the state of their starting pitching staff. It implies that they may need to strengthen their rotation by acquiring more quality starting pitchers to compete at the level of the Yankees and other top teams in the league. On the other hand, for the Yankees, the quote reflects a perception of strength and depth in their pitching staff, which can boost their confidence and instill a sense of superiority in their ability to compete at a high level.

It is important to note that the assessment made in the quote is subjective and based on the opinion of Keith Hernandez. While he is a respected figure in the baseball community, the performance of starting pitchers and teams can fluctuate from season to season, and the dynamics of the game are constantly evolving.

In conclusion, Keith Hernandez's quote about the starting pitchers of the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks sheds light on the perceived disparity in the quality and depth of their respective starting pitching rotations. The quote serves as a commentary on the significance of starting pitchers in baseball and the impact they can have on a team's success. It also prompts consideration of the strategies and investments teams make to strengthen their pitching staff and compete at the highest level in Major League Baseball.