Why Veteran Relief is Important for Yanks
By Mike Silva ~ November 24th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
On Sunday’s Hot Stove Show I mentioned the Yankees reported interest in middle reliever such as Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney you can add Jose Valverde and Brandon Lyon to the mix.
Forget the reported names for a minute. If Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are to become successful starter they need to be thrown into the fire once and for all. I am not advocating irresponsible usage, but the silly rules have to stop. They have to show the organization they can be effective big league starters. That has not happened to date (No I don’t consider Chamberlain’s 2009 an effective year). Although the Yankees are loaded with young and hard throwing arms with upside there is a lack of experience leading up to Rivera. Outside of Damaso Marte the bullpen is strong, but still very green. Let’s say Robertson, Coke, etc. gets off to a bad start next year just like the 2009 bullpen. Won’t there be a temptation to put Hughes or Chamberlain back in the eighth? Can’t you see the fans and talk radio pundits start “Joba to the pen” again? He once again showed during the 2009 playoff that reliever Joba is a far better pitcher than starter Joba. My point is why even have that temptation?
The Yankees could do what the Mets tried with JJ Putz – use an established closer in the eighth inning. They could overpay for such a player very easily. This not only will negate the need for Hughes/Chamberlain in the bullpen, but reduce the amount of multi inning saves necessary for Mariano. The guy is 40 and could use a little help.
I think Valverde would be the right fit for that role. He probably will want to close, but money often can entice players to change their mind. My reasoning is three fold:
1. Gonzalez is left handed and the Yanks already have enough of those.
2. Soriano reminds me of Armando Benitez. Sure, Valverde can be emotional, but I get the sense he is the type that would thrive on the energy of New York.
3. A depressed economic market may make it possible to bring him to NY on a one year deal.
There is no need to have a long term contract for a middle reliever. I am thinking more for 2010 so the young arms in the bullpen can ease into a bigger role and you take away the temptation to return Hughes or Joba to the bullpen. To me Valverde might be the right guy to help facilitate that situation.
