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March 09, 2007
Kerrigan Tips Who's Making Pen?
From The Record -
If there's one true advantage the Yankees' believe their setup men possess, it's this:
"We've got four guys who get left-handers out better than most left-handers get left-handers out," Kerrigan said.
Last year, Farnsworth held lefties to a .215 batting average (23-for-107, three homers), and his was the highest among the current Yankees' right-handers.
Proctor held lefties to .205 (30-for-147, five homers), Vizcaino was at .163 (17-for-104, two homers) with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Brian Bruney checked in at .115 (3-for-26, no homers).
The Yankees intend to employ 12 pitchers during the season, with Ron Villone likely to join situational lefty Mike Myers as the left-handed equivalent of a seven-man bullpen.
That doesn't leave room for a long man -- a missing element that added stress to last year's relief corps.
"In a perfect world, sure, you could use a guy like that who could give you a couple of innings," Kerrigan said.
OK, it's Rivera, Farnsworth, Proctor, Vizcaino, and Myers, for sure. That's five. Bruney and Villone make seven. I say Bruney because Kerrigan indirectly references him here. That's bad news for Britton.
I hate to see a kid get sent down to the minors after he's proven for a year that he can play in the big leagues. I hope this doesn't mess with his head - it would be a waste of his talent.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2007 12:36 PM
Comments
I think knowing that the Baltimore Orioles favor Jaret Wright over you is enough to mess with his head. Ouch.
Posted by: Benjamin Kabak ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 9, 2007 02:10 PM
Hey, Leo Maz worked magic with Wright once before.......
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2007 02:20 PM
I hate to see a kid get sent down to the minors after he's proven for a year that he can play in the big leagues.
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Just had a Sterling Hitchcock flashback :)
It depends on circumstances, of course. Having said that if a player has game, a team will hopefully find a spot for him.
Posted by: Raf at March 9, 2007 02:22 PM
"I think knowing that the Baltimore Orioles favor Jaret Wright over you is enough to mess with his head. Ouch"
Baltimore might also covet starters over relievers at this point...
Posted by: Pete at March 9, 2007 02:51 PM
I hate to see a kid get sent down to the minors after he's proven for a year that he can play in the big leagues.
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Glad you feel that way. But why picking sides with Britton over Bruney. Didn't Bruney prove something last year too? He was pretty lights-out for the team in a far more pressure-filled situation.
Posted by: MJ at March 9, 2007 03:13 PM
I like Britton better because he has better command and his stuff is not that much of a drop-off from Bruney - although lefties do touch him up more than Bruney, at least last year.
FWIW, I think it would be a shame for either one of them to have to go down to the minors to start the year.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2007 03:17 PM
Or, keep Bruney & Britton & part ways with Myers, really can the Yankees afford the luxury of carrying a guy just to get David Ortiz out?
Posted by: rbj at March 9, 2007 03:21 PM
I just don't get the Myers thing. Yes, he's a LOOGY. But, why can't Torre let him pitch and inning or two in blow-out games? He can do it. And, he can help the team by eating some innings in those contests.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2007 05:04 PM
Simple, because Proctor has to get his work in too.
Posted by: JeremyM at March 9, 2007 06:57 PM
Villone should be the LOOGY+ guy; Myers should be shipped out for a B prospect; keep Britton and Bruney in the pen.
Posted by: brockdc at March 9, 2007 07:19 PM
I am a little suspect of Bruney, his stuff is very good but he has little control. You cant survive in the Majors walking that many people. While Britton did have a solid year last year, his K rate did plummet upon moving to the majors. He could probably use a little time in AAA to work on his secondary pitches.
Posted by: Kyle at March 9, 2007 09:28 PM