First, I should say that I've always thought Joba should start and last night's game plus the ineffectiveness of the bullpen recently does not change that. I do think having him in the starting rotation to begin the season and then moving him into the bullpen later in the year would have been the better plan for this year's Yankees, but one way or another I'm glad he's a starter now.
What bothers me is how bad everyone besides Mo has pitched since the transition to move Joba into the rotation began. It was announced on the 22nd that Joba was the transition had begun and Joba was officially being moved into the rotation.
Since the announcement relievers not named Rivera and Chamberlain have a 6.35 ERA and allowed 10 of 17 inherited runners to score.
Kyle Farnsworth was giving a more pressure filled role and responded by allowed four HR in his last seven outings. (stats via Ed Price)
Here's how their ERAs have jumped in that time:
Ramirez: 0.00 - 2.81
Ohlendorf: 5.60 - 5.97
Farnsworth 3.86 - 4.44
Hawkins: 5.09 - 6.31
Veras: 3.52 - 5.25
They've also picked up 2 losses along the way.
Maybe part of it is that these guys don't know what their roles are anymore and it's screwing up their routine, or maybe they're all just gripping the ball too tight and have no spine, I'm going to go with the latter. Either way, this is ridiculous.
What's more ridiculous? Girardi's faith in Farnsworth, "He gave up a run [Monday] in a tough situation, but that's not going to keep me from using him in tough situations, because for this team to be successful, Kyle has to pitch in those tough situations and be successful," Girardi said.
Something has to be done; this team cannot win without a bullpen. Someone needs to be called-up or traded for, and put right into the setup role. This way everyone in the pen will move back down to their less pressure-filled roles of a few weeks ago, and hopefully once again be effective.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 Comments:
I like the title...
I agree the bull pen has been joke of late, but I don't know what they can do about it. Quality relievers are in short supply, so I can't see where anyone is going to come from. For that matter, they need starters too. It's looking more and more like it's gonna be a rough year. Hopefully they can pull something together with what they have like they have in the past.
Also, I think Joba's outing last night was fine. A little jittery, but one of the runs was on an error. Without that he could have probably finished the third giving up just one run, which is solid first start.
They have to give guys like David Robertson, Scott Patterson, and most J.B. Cox a chance. They've all pitched well in AAA (Cox has yet to allow a run). Maybe they can catch lightning in a bottle.
I agree with you about Joba, he was pumped up and that's why he was wild. He should be better next time out.
Its a slap in the face to use Chris Britton in the 9th instead of coming in before Veras or Hawkins did.
Should have been Giese for another inning (the guy was starting all year, he had plenty gas left and was pitching well) then Ramirez, then Britton, then the scrubadub duo of Verawkinsif necessary in the 9th.... AWFUL bullpen management by General Joe... I stand up for Girardi everytime someone says he makes bad decisions but this was SO bad I threw my hands up and switched to the Met game to watch Pedro.
And you send Patterson down to make room for Giese? What good does that do? Send down Veras, he hasnt proven shit. And fuck contractual obligations and options, I'd dump LaTroy for his shitty performance too, let him think about it in Scranton.
I, like Joe, still have patience with Farnsy, when used correctly hes very effective(read: not in the 8th inning).
Points to Greg for the STP title..
Hawkins should be designated for assignment, Veras sent back to AAA and Rameriz sent to the weight room. He needs to pack on 20 pounds and had a few MPH's to his fastball to be more effective.
David Robertson, Scott Patterson, and J.B. Cox can replace them. To hell with trading to get someone in the setup roll. Theres no one out there and even less when you look around the league and see how most times are still in it.
The Yanks ate Ensberg's contract. That should be a good sign that they are willing to eat some more to get better. Hell its probably a savings compared to trading for a high priced reliever.
....and please.....can someone call Larry Bowa and tell him to talk to Robby Cano? Lord, can this kid please remember how to play? This is getting ridiculous.
Derek,
Nice pick up on the STP tite. Was wondering if people would notice that.
I don't understand sending Patterson down instead of somebody else. They have way too much dead-weight
I also think Farnsworth would be fine in the 7th.
Like you and bostowned said, they should send Veras down. I also agree the Hawkins needs to go.
Post a Comment