Is a lack of defined roles hurting the pen?

From Marc Carig:

During games, the Yankees bullpen remains a lively place. The relievers still swap stories, they still chatter, they still joke. And those who grow tired of the obstructed view from their seats don't hesitate to improvise, standing on benches they've moved against the fence so they can get a better view.

But lately, in light of their struggles, there has been a difference in the mood.

"Even though it's loose, you can see it in people's eyes," lefty Phil Coke said. "As soon as that phone rings, it goes dead silent."

...

"We're getting used in such a different fashion every time we step on the field," said Coke, who admits that in several instances this season, he and his colleagues may have been caught mentally unprepared. "We've got to be ready to go from the first inning."

Coke said he tries not to get too caught up in which role he is used.

"I feel my role is in the seventh inning, and I've got to come in in the second because we have no one else, then I've done nothing for my team except hurt my team right out of the chute because of my mental preparation," Coke said. "As a bullpen guy, you've got to be willing to do what you've got to do."

There were also quotes from David Robertson and Jonathan Abaladejo on the subject.

"It's always nice to know when you'll have an opportunity to come in," said David Robertson, who while in Triple-A, took comfort in knowing that late in close games, he was likely to appear. "But still, you're out there for nine innings and you'll never know when your time will come."

Right-hander Jonathan Albaladejo said he believes that roles will eventually shake out, and he would like to be able to get a stronger sense of when he would enter games.

"Right now, I think nobody's got a role in the bullpen and you've got to be prepared for whatever situation comes up, be ready every day," Albaladejo said. "I think it will change the more we play."

There comes a time when a relief pitcher has to earn their role and/or define it themselves. Take Jose Veras for example. After struggling to start the year he had two good outings in a row to move back up Joe Girardi's pecking order. Next thing you know he gives up five runs on five hits and walked five in his next 2.2 innings pitched.

From April 17 through April 24th Jonathan Albaladejo pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, striking out two and walking none. Moves up pecking order. Then he gives up seven earned runs in one inning over his next two outings.

I'm not going to sit here and pretend I know what it takes for a major league relief pitcher to prepare himself mentally to go pitch. But sometimes you just have to go out there and get the job done.

I think Mo said it best, "We have to do our thing," said Rivera... "We can't go about business the same way we've been doing it, don't give too much credit to the hitters and just go at it."