Don’t waste talent on a lefty reliever

When you look at the lefty relievers on the market (Damaso Marte, Brian Fuentes, Ron Mahay), while any of the three would be a nice addition to a playoff bound team, the price tag that all three teams are asking is not worth what you would be getting back. And if you’re the Yankees, you shouldn’t go near any one of these guys. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose, and for the Yankees, he’s sitting in their bullpen.

I’ve always been a big believer that if you have a righty in the pen that can get out lefties, it defeats the purpose of carrying a lefty-lefty specialist. Fortunately for the Yankees, Edwar Ramirez is that righty. A changeup is a devastating pitch to a lefty hitter, especially when you can spot your fastball well, which Ramirez has been doing a great job of this season. Joe Girardi has been very effective mixing and matching with his bullpen this season, which undoubtedly has been the strongest part of the Yankee team this season. Ramirez can get out lefties and righties, so it affords the Yankees the luxury of not having to hold a spot on the roster for a lefty-lefty specialist. I would trust Ramirez coming out of the pen to get lefties out, without question. With a changeup like he has, and let’s be honest, it’s one of the best in the game, I don’t know many who would argue that. But, you don’t have to take my word for it:

Edwar Ramirez vs lefties 2008: 20 IP, 12 H, 16 K, 1.80 ERA.

I’ll take that anyday.

It seems silly to give up young talent (Ross Ohlendorf) for a one batter pitcher. It would be like trading Ohlendorf for MIke Myers, it makes no sense. I know and understand you can’t keep all prospects, and some get dealt, but don’t do it in a deal like this. It wouldn’t be fair to the future of the Yankees.

 Let’s remember, Fuentes lost his closers job last year, and pitched very poor in the postseason.

WS ERA: 9.82. No thanks.

Learn from Boston’s mistake with Gagne last year. Stick to your guns and continue to use the guys who have gotten you this far. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s been the best part of the team this year, let’s not mess with that.