Monday, July 27, 2009

The Formula

I just finished reading Joel Sherman's book about the 1996 Yankees and one recurring theme was his constant references to "The Formula." We all remember it well, Torre would just have to get six innings out of his starter, then hand the ball over to the young Mariano Rivera and then John Wetteland for an easy win. With the emergence of Phil Hughes in the bullpen and Mariano's continued dominance I can't help but notice the obvious comparison. The only thing is, the 2009 version may be even better.

Game thread is below.

Posted by Mike N.

Tags: , ,

5 Comments:

Greg Cohen said...

Could you imagine if Bruney started to perform like he was earlier in the season?

WOW.

July 27, 2009 at 9:05 PM
MP said...

Could you imagine a postseason bullpen with

Rivera
Hughes
Bruney (in form)
Joba (if he passes the innings limit)

WOW WOW WOW.

July 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Greg Cohen said...

Very true, MP. And you didn't even mention Coke and Aceves. If the Yanks have the lead after five the game will be over.

July 27, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Will said...

Letting pitchers pitch more than 5 innings (unless they are absolutely unbelievable pitchers) is an antiquated idea. Over the past several decades starters have pitched fewer and fewer innings. It naturally would make the most sense that starters would pitch 3-5, two middle relied would pitch 2-3 each, and a closer one inning. Then everyone would be never overworked and thus stronger each appearance.

July 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Danny said...

Saying this version might be better is a bit of a stretch. It's good but Wetland/Rivera in 96 really should of been illegal. You're also forgetting Mendoza held down the back end of that pen moping up bad starts(especially Kenny Rodgers' starts), essentially allowing the Yankees to function on a four man rotation and still turn a fifth day mess into wins instead of preying for rain. Mendoza coming in to relieve ailing starters was essentially resetting a bad start from your starter and getting a do over.
I still don't think they've found a middle reliever/setup man with the fortitude of Jeff Nelson.

July 28, 2009 at 2:17 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)