Steve over at Was Watching brought up an interesting question. Who would you have on the postseason roster if the season ended today? He listed the 18 “obvious” players, and then completed his list with the following:
That leaves seven slots left. And, I would bet that five of those go to:
Jerry Hairston
Brett Gardner
Ramiro Pena
Eric Hinske
David RobertsonSo, that leaves two spots left – with a bunch of pitchers to choose from:
Brian Bruney
Sergio Mitre
Mark Melancon
Damaso Marte
Chad Gaudin
Steve’s roster has 14 position players and 11 pitchers. Personally, I think the Yankees will take 12 pitchers, despite the fact that not using a 5th starter in the playoffs essentially means an extra reliever. With Hairston and Gardner on the roster, Pena seems a bit superfluous. The only possible role for him would be as a pinch runner in a game where Hairston and Gardner have both already been used. I would prefer an extra arm, especially when considering Girardi’s penchant for playing matchups.
I think Bruney is almost a lock to make the roster, while Mitre has little chance of sticking for the postseason. If Marte proves to be healthy, he will get one of the final two spots, leaving Gaudin and Melancon for the final two spots. Gaudin is death on righties and can give length, while Melancon is probably a better one inning reliever. Which 3 of the 5 relievers Steve lists would you pick?
Related posts:
I think the Hairston acquisition is so under-rated for many reasons. Many of which were mentioned here. To put it succinctly, imo, he is a poor man’s Chone Figgens.
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Very poor… He can play all the positions that Chone can but Figgins can lead off with his bat, steal enough bases to be in the top 10 in the league and be a threat at all times. Hairston is a good player and good for this team but if he is a “poor” version of Figgins he is a living under the briudge poor mans version.
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Basil Fomeen Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Ok, so he needs a tin cup. But I like the acquisition anyway
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I do too! He makes the bench very versatile and his bat has proved to be better with a winner than it was while on the Reds… even if he did get his RBI yesterday off bloops.
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The obvious 18, plus Hairston, Gardner, Hinske, Bruney, Robertson, Marte, Gaudin
Marte and Gaudin have postseason experience (a combined 5 innings, but it counts)
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Marte may not even be healthy or effective at that point, I think relying on Marte in the post season is foolish.
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JGS Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
if he proves he is healthy in the season first. if not, it would be nuts to give him a spot
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I’m not sure how he can prove that, he is currently on the 60 day and I really don’t see an opportunity at the major league level anytime soon and he hasn’t exactly been mowing down triple A. Would he add versatility in the pen? Yes, but I just don’t think he will be able to face the competition level necessary to be ready for the post season as it stands right now.
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scott l Reply:
August 15th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
You seem hung up on the move to the 60 day when that was just a paper move. It was reported as a paper move all over the place so it means nothing. Marte is pitching well in AAA an iirc Jennings over at his SWB blog a while back said he was hitting 92 with his fastball. Marte will be finishing his rehab this week so we will find out the Yankees plans for him very soon. Imo if he is healthy he will allow the Yankees to rest Coke some and help out in September/October.
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Brett Gardner
Melky Cabrera
Brian Bruney?
Mark Melancon
Chad Gaudin
I still like Brett in CF over Melky, he has too many good and needed parts to his game.
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Breett over Melky I don’t agree with at all, think about how many walk off wins we wouldn’t have with out Melky. I agree Brett brings a lot to the team but I think you get the most out of both when they are a unit, together as an interchanging CF team.
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Old Ranger Reply:
August 15th, 2009 at 11:45 am
One of the reasons Melky was involved in the walk-offs is because he has been playing while Brett has been injured.
I agree that having both of them around is the best way to utilize them but, unless they throw a very good lefty…I play Brett. The only thing Melky has over him is; Arm and power, all the other stats are better for Brett…even being more of a clutch hitter.
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scott l Reply:
August 15th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I have no faith in Melky at all. He is having a terrible month so far at the plate and his career September numbers are less then inspiring.
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The Yanks have been looking for a 2nd lefty for the pen all year. If Marte is healthy and somewhat effective, he makes the cut.
Bruney makes the team over Roberston as well, so I’ll guess D-Rob takes that last spot.
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The other Chris H Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I really doubt he is effective or somewhat healthy so I doubt he makes the cut, even if they do want a lefty it just won’t happen.
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Coke will be used as a lefty specialist only in the playoffs and Bruney & Hughes will set up.
David Robertson should not be counted on in big situations just yet IMO.
In the end, injuries & sudden ineffectiveness, usually decide this stuff for you.
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