Great example

by Travis G on Sep 20, 2008 1:14 AM EDT

Tonight's 3-2 win over Baltimore was a great example of how well and cheap a bullpen can be assembled when properly allowed to. It should serve as evidence to impatient fans out there that patience is a virtue. The pen has allowed just one run in the last three games (over 12 innings), and has an ERA of 3.81, good for 5th in the AL (and that includes Billy Traber, Latroy Hawkins and Ross Ohlendorf, all who had ERAs over 5.50).

There was talk of trading Brian Bruney after last season. Some people never wanted to see Edwar again after his meltdowns last year. There are some who are upset that we received nothing in return for Gary Sheffield; that's not true - it just takes time, and we saw the first major league impact of that trade on Thursday when highly-touted and hard-throwing Humberto Sanchez debuted, pitching a perfect inning with one strikeout (sitting in the low 90s).

We've also seen the emergence of Phil Coke, who looks like a very viable bullpen candidate for 2009. Right behind him is our best reliever in the upper minors, Mark Melancon, the former closer for the U of Arizona. He had Tommy John surgery in 2007, but destroyed three levels of the minors this year. He'll be another great bulpen option in Spring Training.

Look how well some of our inconsistent but promising relievers have adjusted, comparing pre-2008 to the current year.

Edwar Ramirez:

ERA - 8.14 vs. 3.98

WHIP - 1.81 vs. 1.23

BB/9 - 6.0 vs. 3.9

HR/9 - 2.5 vs. 1.2

Jose Veras:

ERA - 4.95 vs. 3.58

BB/9 - 5.3 vs. 4.2

K/9 - 5.8 vs. 9.6

Brian Bruney (07 vs. 08):

ERA - 4.68 vs. 2.03

WHIP - 1.62 vs. 1.03

BB/9 - 6.7 vs. 4.3

K/9 - 7.0 vs. 8.8

What a surprise that all three are now in their mid-late 20s, which historically has been players' peak years. It can take a while for players to reach their potential - it usually doesn't happen until 27 or so.

We have yet to see these adjustments made by Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy but I strongly believe we will. I don't know exactly when, but it will happen within the next couple years. In general, minor league success does translate to the majors. If we all have patience, we'll see the fruits of this labor in the near future - after all, we've already seen some.

Brian Cashman knows how to construct a team, but we should all be afraid of what Hank Steinbrenner's 'advisory group' might do to derail the plans. He's already gone over Cashman's head to re-sign Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriguez. One is already a burden and the other will no doubt become one.

PS: Some catch by Brett Gardner! Anyone that doesn't want him playing over Melky?

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I want the one of the Bret Melky pair

that hits. Gardner is better in the air than Melky. Melky throws better. Gardner is a great baserunner.

But to play he has to hit.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Sep 20, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

Gardner over Melky

Unless Melky can come out of his everlasting slump he’s going to have a real tough time beating Gardner for the job. Either way, I truely believe the Yankees need a player like Gardner. Brett Gardner’s speed on the bases is exactly what the Yankees are lacking. They desperately need a young runner who can just about guarantee you a stolen base when he gets on. Not to mention Brett Gardner knows how to work the count and frustrate pitchers. He makes hard contact with the ball, has a great on base%, and works his walks, which is key to being a lead off hitter. We’ve also seen him hit in the clutch, with two walk off hits this season already! One against Papelbon and one in the 13th against the royals, both bringing home Robinson Cano. This all translates into his defensive game. Last night proved he can make the big play just like how Melky did against the Red Sox, robbing a home run from Manny. After that play Melky gained a place in every Yankee Fans heart, including mine. I have a framed 16X20 signed of that shot and it’s one of my favorite collectibles. As much as I want Melky to succeed I honestly think Gardner would be the better choice.

by Fluke on Sep 20, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and the Bullpen

We deffinitly havn’t seen the best of either of these guys for a full season, and when yankee fans vowed to have patience, they apparently didn’t realize that waiting over a year for a pitcher to blossem is what patience is. Both pitchers are still very young and they will contintue to get better as they get older.

Our bullpen has so many options next season, thats the 1 thing Cashman gets props for. Also our starting staff next year has the potential to be better than it was this year. Especially if we sign C.C. Aceaves looks ligit. Our rotation could be C.C., Wang, Mussina,Then 4 and 5 are any combination of kennedy,Hughes,Aceaves,possibly Andy if he returns, and mb Joba if he isnt in the bullpen.

Don’t look now Yankee fans but Cashman is putting together a pritty good pitching staff, slowly but surly, here come the Yankees. too bad our offense is getting old and A-Jax is another year away from the majors.

"Hey Derek do you actually drive the Edge?","I don't drive that piece of crap!"

by Da Shiz on Sep 20, 2008 11:44 PM EDT reply actions