Interesting tidbit from the unmatchable font of Yankee information, Peter Abraham, here. David Robertson has been called up to replace Xavier Nady on the Yankee roster. You may remember, that I listed that as option #1 on my piece presenting the Yankee alternatives when X-Man went down, here. We’ve only known Joe Girardi as the Yankee manager for a little over a year, now, but a pattern seems to be developing.
This guy sure does like to mix and match a lot of guys in his bullpen. He couldn’t be more opposite to Joe Torre, who ran out the same 3 guys every single day. Joe G doesn’t even WANT a long man on his team because it prevents him from having an extra matchup guy. He loooooved the end of last year, when the rosters expanded, so he had, like 30 different relievers to pick and choose from. So, when Nady goes down, instead of replacing him with a long man or another position player, he goes with an extra short guy. This is what the pen looks like now.
Veras – RHP
Coke – LHP
Edwar – RHP but tough on lefties
Robertson – RHP
Marte – LHP
Albaladejo – RHP and de facto long man
Bruney – RHP
Mariano – RHP
EIGHT, count ‘em EIGHT relievers, and not ONE of ‘em a long man. WOW! Pretty cool, huh. The positives are that Joe gets to keep everyone fresh and can pick and choose his perfect matchup based on handedness, pitching style, stuff, etc. and you KNOW Joe G has a chart of exactly who can hit what, so Edwar goes agains the guy who can’t hit changeups and Robertson gets the nod against the guy who struggles with curveballs.
The downside is that you’re not plunking 3 guys into the game every time, building up their confidence and letting them get into the groove, like Torre had so much success with Stanton, Nelson, and Rivera (but not so much success afterwards).
Robertson has been pretty unhittable in AAA, going 5 innings, 2H, 1BB, 10K, and 0 runs allowed. Averaging 2Ks per inning – not too shabby. You’ll remember, he’s got a 90mph fastball, a cutter a shade below that and a wicked curve which is his out pitch. Do you guys like this move or would you rather see a long man like Tomko or Aceves, or a position player filling this spot?
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I like this move and I also can’t wait to see Melanson become part of this bullpen. I then think this will be an amazing bullpen.
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Tom Gaffney Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Me too. They’re being awfully careful with Mark, perhaps b/c of his injury in ‘07. When he comes up, who do you think goes down? Albie? Edwar? Coke?
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I doubt they will go with 8 relievers for long. Is this move just a short term patch while they figure out a long term move, which might be a trade or signing a free agent?
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Tom Gaffney Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Certainly possible. I think Joe loves the Scranton shuttle, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see periods of time where he carries 8, and others where he goes 7. I’d be a little surprised if they went the trade or FA route too soon. I just don’t see the need for it with Matsui already filling the DH role, and Posada needing some time at 1b and DH against tough running teams like the Rays. Who knows, though. I’m sure Cash would make the move if the right deal popped up.
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Veras sucks! Again he can’t throw a first pitch strike! Again he can’t get the first batter out! He has got to go!
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I think Veras’ pedigree is becoming apparent once again. He’s not reliable enough to be holding back guys like Melancon.
I don’t think signing Marte to a long contract was such a hot idea, either.
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Ayer Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I agree with you on Veras, his control problems are getting a bit old, and really not getting any better. While some teams might tolerate his inconsistency, I don’t see why we should with great arms like Robertson and Melancon ready to step up.
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Ugh Veras is terrible. No where in his career has he been good. He had that one period last year where he was very good but overall he’s been a bad pitcher.
My pen would be:
Mo
Bruney
Coke
Marte
Robertson
Melancon
Claggett Or Aceves (if you want a long man)
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Too early to give up on Veras or anyone else.
Robersons perfectly straight 88-92 MPH fastball will only be effective if he’s getting that nasty curveball over which he wasn’t in his stint last season.
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Veras throws hard as hell but it feels like he has that Farnsworthless quality about him… still very early to write him off.
I did not like Marte from last year but I’m really hoping that his career numbers are more indicitive of who he is than the crap that we have been getting from him.
Early in the season good pitchers still have flaws to work out – proven by the Wanger – right?
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