Photo by NY Daily News, artwork by Drew York Yanks

The 27 Club. A few years ago I was told of this illustrious group of artists, most of which were considered "ahead of their time", who died at the age of 27. Cobain, Hendrix, Joplin. And...Igawa?

Perhaps that's a bit of a stretch, as Igawa is still breathing and is not yet 27 years of age. Or is he? I don't really keep tabs on these types of things. But what is known is that Kei Igawa, the pitching prospect of the future 5 years ago, is only a day removed from recording his 27th career win for the Yankees*. Standing O, Pinstripe Alley, it's the least you can do.

Oh, you thought I meant the Yankee Yankees? The real ones? The Bronx Bombers? No, I'm speaking strictly of the AAA affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. And, with that 27th win, Igawa cemented himself as the starter of today...for the SWB Yanks. 27 wins with a AAA squad is the equivalent of having the most red dots on Megan's Law.

With Sergio Mitre's less-than-dazzling performance, it's not completely out of the picture that Kei Igawa may one day take the mound for the Stripes again. But, even if it does happen, I wouldn't hold my breath over him being anything better than his mediocre self. Igawa, much like the $9 Dippin' Dots at the ballpark, has been hailed the product of the future for longer than I care to remember. When will the future get here, though? 

He may not be dead, but his career in the majors is on life support right now. Welcome to the 27 Club, Kei. Get comfortable, it might be awhile.