MLB rookie Masahiro Tanaka is the real deal for the New York Yankees

Before Masahiro Tanaka committed himself to the New York Yankees three things were clear. He was going to cost a lot, and he was going to be good and almost every team would want him. So far everything has come true, with the New York Yankees the lucky team reaping the rewards, albeit at a significant cost. In his first MLB season he's not only impressing, he's doing so in style.

The Japanese sensation showed his great pitching ability against rivals the Boston Red Sox in his last outing. They won 9-3, and Tanaka pitched for 7.1 innings, allowing only two runs on seven hits. He also walked no batters, showing his great control, which many said he'd struggle to bring to the MLB.

Although Tanaka was inked with a seven-year, $135 million contract, he has been worth it so far. He has given the Yankees a reliable pitcher, and one that all teams need if they're to win a World Series. Starting pitching is a clear requirement for any team wanting to progress. Just ask the Cleveland Indians, who made the playoffs last year, but refused to make many adjustments to their pitching staff, let alone consider a move for Tanaka. Their season has started very slowly, with little pitching ability to show, but although it was costly, the Yankees have everything other teams like the Indians wish they now had pursued.

Will Masahiro Tanaka keep his form up all season, and can he become an all-time great? He's proven every team that missed out on his signature made a very, very big mistake.