Is it time to give Albaladejo another shot?

by SparkySaves on Jun 6, 2010 7:24 AM EDT

Jonathan Albaladejo was called up this year. Only problem for him is that it wasn't to pitch. Rather, it was to hang out in a Detroit hotel between games of a day-night doubleheader to wait for a call in case he was needed to rescue a depleted pitching corps. He never got the call. In spite of a poor spring training in 2010 and several failed attempts at securing a bullpen spot with the Yankees after arriving from the Nationals in a trade for Tyler Clippard several seasons ago, Jonathan Albaladejo has perservered at Scranton Wilkes-Barre this season and put up some impressive numbers as a closer: 1-1 with a 1.33 ERA in 24 games, 27 innings pitched allowing 15 hits and 10 walks while striking out 33, amassing 18 saves while holding opposing hitters to a .155 batting average against him. I haven't been the biggest Albaladejo fan in the past, but given Melancon's and Logan's inconsistency, I believe that he should be given a chance if the Yankees want to make a bullpen move. That moves seems more and more likely as Chad Gaudin continues to struggle out of the pen since his return to the Yankees.

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Nah, he is too much of a journeyman

by YankeesJets on Jun 6, 2010 5:11 PM EDT reply actions

It might not be a terrible idea.

I would keep Gaudin a little longer to see if he can turn it around, but if not, then by all means he can give it a try. Serg right now is filling Ace’s role of “current Ramiro Mendoza” who can spot start, do long relief, or do middle relief.

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by Andrew GM on Jun 7, 2010 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no

Well, maybe to hang out in the hotel room again.

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by SteveBalboniHOF on Jun 8, 2010 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Why not?

No other relief pitcher has been dominating at Scranton-Wilkes like Albaladejo. To tell you the truth, I really like Ivan Nova but he’s still very young and needs more time to be groomed.

Albaladejo is 27 years old and has worked hard enough to deserve a shot at the big leagues. Boone Logan has logged 10.2 innings this season in 58 games. I had to check back and verify he was #48 because we RARELY see Logan.. why not try out Albaladejo? If Park and Robertson can keep pitching with 6.50 ERAs I don’t see the harm in trying out a different pitcher…

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by Chris McKeown on Jun 9, 2010 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

I have a gut feeling

that Gaudin’s latest problems will lead to this becoming a reality. Melancon has already failed twice at the major league level this season. Nova is young and needs regular work (i.e. starts). I say the Yankees give him another major league shot and if he doesn’t make it, then they might as well part ways.

by SparkySaves on Jun 9, 2010 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, Sparky

Yanks have nothing to lose with the move… Albaladejo has been nothing so far… he could become a Washington version of Tyler Clippard for all we know hahah. Yanks should try anything in the bullpen right now… by far the weakest link of the team thus far

In Jeter, We trust.

by Chris McKeown on Jun 9, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions