He was an experienced pitcher from the Japanese major leagues when he signed with the Dodgers as a free agent last winter.

With Villone, the Yankees have 12 experienced pitchers.

An experienced pitcher learns how to mix up his looks and never allow himself to get into a predictable pattern.

One experienced pitcher told Cobb "it's kind of like learning to fix an automobile--you just got to have a knack for it."

The Yankees are extremely conservative in the treatment of pitchers' injuries, a luxury afforded by the six experienced starting pitchers they have on their roster.

"Dave's an experienced pitcher and we'll give him an opportunity," General Manager Lee Thomas said.

The Yankees do not have an experienced starting pitcher to back up their five starters, and Hernández would provide insurance when healthy.

Taylor said he also hoped to add an experienced starting pitcher, preferably a left-hander.

The Braves are steeped with experienced pitchers, the Yankees with savvy hitters.

The rotation has another young pitcher, slightly more experienced than Mulder and Zito.