Relief Pitching - 2009
Again, Joba is the x-factor for this area. If he is the 8th inning guy, the bullpen has great potential. If he is a starter, the bullpen will need some guys to step up.
Mo will be Mo as the closer. He has shown this year he has not lost anything and he is a fierce competitor. He will be the closer in 2009.
If Joba is not the 8th inning guy someone will have to step up. I like Ramirez and Veras in the bullpen. This is the first full year for both of those guys and hopefully they learned a thing or two to be a little better next year. They are not lights out guys but have the potential to be very good 7th inning guys.
Robertson has been up and down while in the majors which is typical for a young guy. He has the stuff to be a very good reliever.
A potential 8th inning guy is the kid Melancon. Reports are he has great stuff. By the beginning of 2009 he will be 24 months past his TJ surgery and should be 100%. He has thrown about 100 innings this year and has stayed healthy (except for a tweaked back recently). He could be a great setup guy if Joba is in the starting rotation.
Coke is another younger pitcher with potential to be a very good reliever if he is not starting. He has thrown 8 scoreless innings this year.
The Yankees also have some long reliever types in Giese and Rasner. Britton may also be an option in the bullpen.
The Yankees have a good crop of young arms in the minors. Some of them may convert to very good relievers.
This is one strength for the Yankees and an even greater strength if Joba is the 8th inning guy. I think the Yankees should spend what money they have on a starting pitcher and centerfielder.
