Bullpen Adding Fuel to the Fire?
We’re almost through the first month, and the Yankees sit in a better position through the first 19 games than they have in six years. That doesn’t mean they’re clear of weaknesses. While all of Yankee-land seems to understand that Mark Teixeira’s impact will soon be felt, and the hope is that Javy Vasquez will soon come around, the recent slide has uncovered bullpen problems. What’s the problem? The relievers just aren’t getting hitters out, especially in key situations. Brought out of the Bureau of Useless Statistics (BUS for short – my favorite place to hang on a weekday afternoon) is the fact that 13 times this year in the first 19 games, a Yankee reliever has allowed his first batter to reach base. Everyone is guilty of it…except Mo, but you already knew that. Four times already this year, a lefty reliever (Damaso Marte 3 of the times) has walked the first batter he’s faced, and Dave Robertson and Marte have combined to set their first opposing hitter down only 8 out of 15 times.
For two guys in the current role of “lead-holders” to bridge the gap to Joba and Mo, this just isn’t getting it done. It may be as simple as planning ahead a little better and having relievers throw ten more pitches in the bullpen before coming in, or it may take a little stronger focus by the relievers themselves. Either way, the team won’t always be able to rely on the kind of length they’ve been getting from their starters for the whole year, and if the middle part of the bullpen can’t come in and get hitters out right away, the Yankees might find themselves in some trouble. The Bombers, great start and all, are still 2.5 games behind a powerful Rays team that will be in the hunt for the division crown all year. They can’t afford the bullpen troubles if they want to challenge for the division.
Photos courtesy of Zimbio.com
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