P.S., Cash, Don’t Forget The Pen
We know the Yankees need to get a third baseman for 2008. And, a catcher too. Maybe even another bat to play first base. Also, there’s the matter of finding someone to replace Andy Pettitte, should be elect to stay “retired.”
However, if the next baseball season opened today, this would be the Yankees bullpen:
Edwar Ramirez
Brian Bruney
Sean Henn
Chris Britton
Jose Veras
Kyle Farnsworth
Ross Ohlendorf
Hopefully, Mo Rivera signs soon – and that’s one piece added to the above. Having Rivera, Farnsworth and Ohlendorf/Veras is a start. (Yes, I don’t trust Ramirez, Bruney, Henn or Britton at this point.) But, the Yankees are going to need at least two more arms added to this mess – in addition to Rivera.
Maybe they’re thinking of Jeff Karstens and/or Darrell Rasner? Or, perhaps they hope to re-sign Luis Vizcaino? To be honest, who knows? I just know that Cashman better do something with the pen for next season. As it stands now, it’s in need of attention.
I think with the right coaching & in game managing, Bruney & Ramirez could be effective middle relievers. (given that middle relievers are seldom effective over many years.)
The minors will have a lot of options, too. Sanchez and Cox coming back from injuries, Steven White converted into a reliever (likely to happen), Kevin Whelan, David Robertson.
Obviously the most critical move is to secure Mo. I wouldn’t be shocked if they traded Farnsworth and ate half his salary.
Like you, I think Ohlendorf and Veras can be pretty good (though Ohlendorf does seem to get hit a lot for a guy with such good stuff). I still believe in Ramirez. And Cox, Whelan and Robertson are all very, very talented. Cox would definitely had been in the bullpen this year. We just have to hope he comes back from injury well. Robertson had a brilliant year. Whelan was good after ironing out his control issues. And if you believe the hype, if Sanchez could actually stay healthy for a while he’s Joba-lite coming out of that bullpen in the future.
I would rather the Yankees roll the dice with these kids than waste more money on Farnsworth types. Though it wouldn’t be bad if they could find a Matt Herges lying around somewhere.
They could sign a relief pitcher and work with pitchers like Ramirez and Veras to help out middle relief.All this talk of Cabrera should worry Yankee fans,’coz this question of relief is one of their top three question marks:Will Posada,Andy and Mo come back?2 Who will be the bridge to the closer?3 Who will end up in the rotation?If they can find a Matt Herges type,that could be a good thing rather than bad,but this issue has to be given precedence over their “offensive woes” in the wake of Arod’s departure/dismissal.
Not that I’m saying him per se, but Ron Mahay held LHB to a sub-.200 AVG last year. It wouldn’t hurt if the Yanks found a lefty in the bullpen to do what Myers/Villone were supposed to do.
Buster Onley was just on ESPNews. He said the Yanks and Padres had a brief discussion about a Phil Hughes/Melky-for-Jake Peavy trade.
Is Peavy scheduled to have Tommy John surgery? Why else would he be on the Yankees radar?
J/K.
Steve, LOL
imo, Mo is the most important FA of the big four. no closer without him. i’d like to see that Arod $ go towards Kerry Wood and Frankie Cordero. that would be SOME pen. i also believe in Edwar and Ohlendorf. They’re stuff is too good, and if they reach their potential can be great relievers. hopefully Cox and Sanchez can make an impact during the season but i’m not holding my breath.