AT THE ALL STAR BREAK II

During the first half of the season, the bullpen has been the Yankees’ Achilles heel.  At the All Star break the bullpen is no longer the disaster it was during April and May, but it looks nothing like what we expected.

On Opening Day, the Yankees appeared to have a strong, deep bullpen.  The 9th inning was secure with Mo at the helm.  Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte were expected to hold down the 8th inning.  Coming off a strong 2008, Jose Veras would pitch the 7th.  Backing them up were Edgar Ramirez, Jonathan Abladaba, and young Phil Coke.  The bullpen appeared to be a strength.

Well, as we now know, nothing worked as expected except for Mo.  Marte and Bruney got hurt.  Veras couldn’t throw strikes and was exiled to Cleveland.  Ramirez could throw stirkes, very hittable strikes, and was sent down, as was Abladaba.  Coke was thrust into the top lefty reliever role, where he struggled.  The bullpen became the team disaster.

But things are looking up. The Yankees have gotten help from some unexpected sources.  The situation now looks like this.

MO – Incomparable as always.  The greatest closer in baseball history.  Nothing more to say.  GRADE – A+.

HUGHES – Whoda thunk it.  Phil Hughes has saved the bullpen.  After struggling as a starter, the supposed second coming of Walter Johnson has been lights out in relief.  He is now the setup man for Mo.  Unfortunately, his current position removes him from consideration as a starter.  If Wang does not return and Hughes has to fill the fifth starter slot, the bullpen will be back wher it was in May.  GRADE – A.

ACEVES – Another suprise.  Aceves looked like a spot starter, but has emerged as an effective reliever.  He doesn’t have great stuff, but he knows how to pitch, and he has guts.  HIs versatility is also helpful.  He can pitch multiple innings or come in for a couple of outs.  A good addition.  GRADE B.

COKE – Another guy who doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but has gotten it done.  He has struggled at times, and will never make anybody forget Mike Stanton, but he has been effective.  GRADE B-.

BRUNEY – Bruney has been a major disappointment.  Since returning from two stints on the DL, he has been ineffective.  Our resident genius (Girardi) seems to have lost faith in him, and with good reason.  His future is clouded, and he appears to have no role with the team at present.  GRADE – D.

TOMKO – A classic mop up guy.  His presence on the staff is proof that the bullpen is still a weak point.  GRADE – D.

ABLADABA – Recently recalled, he has been spotty, and was sent back down.

ROBERTSON – Another guy who is limited.  He has yet to show he is worthy of more than mop up duty.  GRADE – C-.

MARTE – Listed here because he is currently on a rehab assignment and may return soon.  No way to know if he can contribute.  GRADE – INCOMPLETE.

MELANCON – The closer of the future has appeared overmatched.  He is clearly not ready for prime time.  GRADE – F.

OUTLOOK – Hughes, Coke, and Aceves have stabliized the bullpen, but it still does not stack up against the Red Sox staff, and only matches the Rays because of Mo.  Unless Marte can come back, the Yanks need another guy here if they hope to go to the World Series.

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