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March 21, 2008

All Right Is Alright?

Via Mark Feinsand -

While 20 of the 25 slots are pretty much set, the final three jobs in the bullpen remain an open competition, as do the last two places on the bench.

"We'll be busy in Florida," Girardi said, referring to the March 29-30 exhibition games against the Marlins. "The roster will shape out from here fairly quickly, but we're just trying to give everyone a fair look and make an evaluation of what this team needs the most."

Jeff Karstens figures to be the long reliever, while Billy Traber appears to have the inside track on the lefty job. That's assuming Girardi takes a lefty, something he hasn't committed to.

"We would like to have a lefthander," Girardi said. "But it's not vital because I believe our righthanders have the ability to get lefties out." Among the righties looking to win a spot are Chris Britton, Brian Bruney, Ross Ohlendorf, Scott Patterson, Jose Veras and Jonathan Albaladejo.

Last season, from the 7th inning on, in games, left-handed batters had an OPS of .788 against the Yankees (in 936 PA). But, a fair portion of that was Mariano Rivera doing a good job.

Last season, in the 7th inning alone, left-handed batters had an OPS of .903 against the Yankees (in 306 PA). And, last season, in the 8th inning alone, left-handed batters had an OPS of .833 against the Yankees (in 324 PA).

Let's hope the Yankees' pen does a better job against lefties this season - no matter how Joe wants to attack it.

Posted by WW Staff at March 21, 2008 09:28 AM

Comments

Posted by: Straylightrise at March 21, 2008 10:30 AM

Posted by: gphunt at March 21, 2008 11:01 AM