The three most important tools for playoff success, are an ability to strike guys out, a strong back end of the bullpen (specifically a closer), and an airtight defense. The Yankees have a playoff spot all but wrapped up so I'll be taking a look at each of these three categories to see how our favorite team stands. Yesterday was the entire pitching staff and whether or not they could strike guys out (yes). Today, its the Yankees relief corps that will be getting their due attention.
Other than the mini panic we had early in the year, we haven't had much to worry about with the closer spot all year. Mariano Rivera remains among the top tier of closers. He's blown only one save all year in 37 attempts and his stats are sparkling across the board. He's shown a handful of signs of decline but for now he's still a guy you can count on. I don't think anything sums him up better this year than the often cited stat that he's converted 37 of 38 save attempts. He always steps his game up a couple knotches in the playoffs, as well. In October I'm not sure their's a guy in baseball I'd rather have on the mound.
The rise of Phil Hughes in the 8th inning has been a major storyline this year as well. I have always thought he'd be a great reliever, ever since that playoff game when he came in for Clemens. However, it never even crossed my mind that he could be this good. The numbers are staggering. As a reliever, team's OPS+ against him is 26. That's insane and their's no reason to think he won't keep this up for at least the rest of the year. You could argue that Hughes moving to the bullpen has been the key to the Yankees' turnaround.
Sometimes when I praise the Yankees I feel like I'm being a homer but I think I can honestly say that the combination of Hughes-Rivera at the end of a game is something that no other team in baseball can match. The two of them can shorten a game to six innings and that's a weapon that's going to be huge in the playoffs.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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7 Comments:
Hughes to the Pen IS the reason for the turnaround. The Yanks would be nuts to pull him from that position next year. Why fix it if it ain't broke?
Regardless of this year's outcome I think we're going to see Hughes start the season in the rotation next year. Cashman has basically said that several times.
Its way to early to tell what's going on next year but I have to think they'll give him at least one more shot in the rotation. Let's just focus on this year for now
I don't know who is with me on this, but I really think the Yanks have a top three pen in the game right now. They have so many different types of pitchers, and now with two lefties and Marte looking like he can actually pitch, it looks pretty stacked.
Yeah I agree with you Anon. They, along with the entire team, have looked very good ever since that series in Atlanta where Joe got thrown out of the game.
combination of hughes and arod did wonders for this team. imagine if moose was still pitching.
If Moose was still on the team they'd be leading the division by 12-15 games right now. This team is terrific without him, they'd be ridiculous with him.
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