Examining the 2009 Bullpen

If there’s one thing you can say about the 2008 Yankees, it’s that they finally figured out how to use their bullpen again. For years under Joe Torre, the Yankee pen was drained by July, partially because the starters couldn’t get out of the 5th, but mostly because Torre did a poor job managing the relievers. Torre constantly used arms he trusted, guys like Quantrill, Proctor, Gordon, Villone and Sturtze. He didn’t give relievers like Veras, Bruney, Ramirez and Britton a fair shot. Look, it’s awfully tough to build confidence in yourself when you’re yanked and banished from the mound after a rough outing.

 

In 2008, Joe Girardi showed Yankee fans how a bullpen should operate. He used guys in the right spots, gave them rest when they needed it, while all along developing young arms like Veras and Ramirez. When I look back over the ‘08 season, I can really only think of one mistake Girardi made managing the bullpen. In early August against the Rangers, Girardi left an obviously drained Damaso Marte on the mound to face the top of the order, mostly right-handed hitters. Marte eventually gave up a game-winning grand slam to Marlon Byrd. There were other options to consider. Marte walked 3 batters in 1 1/3 innings, throwing 42 pitches. That’s not using him effectively, and he clearly showed the repercussions.

But let’s not dwell on the bad. Girardi did more for the Yankee bullpen in one season then Jore Torre did in 12. And 2009 should be another solid season for the Yankees in the pen.

Projected Bullpen:
C- Rivera
SU- Bruney
SU- Marte
MR- Veras
MR- Ramirez

Options/Decisions
Phil Coke
Jonathan Albaladejo
David Robertson
Dan Giese
Alfredo Aceves (SP?)
Mark Melancon
Humberto Sanchez
Brian Bruney has reportedly lost over 40 pounds since 2007 and is in great shape. I think he’s going to turn in a hell of a season. If Girardi can limit Marte to lefties, and not expose him too much to right handers, I think he can be as good as his baseball card says he is. You even have to get a little excited when you look at some of the arms that are on the bubble. There are some good arms in that bunch, and a lot of potential.

The 09 pen will be a good mix of young and experienced arms, and with Girardi calling the shots, it could be a very good year for this bunch.