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Nearsighted Torre Missing Goggled Savior |
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Written by Howard Megdal
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Saturday, 28 July 2007 |
Much has gone right for the Yankees during their 11-4 July coming into Thursday’s game with the Blue Jays. But the bullpen continues to be a concern.Scott Proctor has just a 0.96 ERA in July, but with seven walks in nine innings, such luck is likely unsustainable.
Farnsworth’s eighth inning implosion (highlighted by his wild pickoff toss as runner John MacDonald stood on first base) would have been the story of the night, had Toronto closer eremy Accardo simply done his job.
Much has gone right for the Yankees during their 11-4 July coming into Thursday’s game with the Blue Jays. But the bullpen continues to be a concern.
Scott Proctor has just a 0.96 ERA in July, but with seven walks in nine innings, such luck is likely unsustainable. Kyle Farnsworth’s eighth inning implosion (highlighted by his wild pickoff toss as runner John MacDonald stood on first base) would have been the story of the night, had Toronto closer Jeremy Accardo simply done his job.
Ask any Yankee observer who is the reliable eighth-inning reliever is, and there is no clear-cut answer. The problem is no different in the seventh, or even the sixth. Nearly every Yankee reliever is averaging more than 4-5 walks per nine innings.
In addition, Torre’s use of the bullpen has left many wondering if those arms will have anything left come September.
But the roster contains a pitcher with a deadly pitch that has drawn rave reviews from teammates and opponents. And it isn’t Mariano Rivera.
It is Edwar Ramirez; he of the two appearances all month, and none since July 6.
Torre indicated that he was interested in working Ramirez into the mix, but the begoggled youngster, salvaged from the independent wilderness, has done little.
Ramirez said that he developed his circle change-up, which was the pitch that struck out three Minnesota Twins in succession, during the 2004 season—one he spent out of baseball entirely.
Judging Ramirez based on his performance prior to developing the pitch is akin to judging Mariano Rivera prior to finding his cutter. This is not to suggest Ramirez will be as effective as Rivera (who has been, ever?)—but to disregard him this way may well be costing the Yankees a shut-down setup option.
Granted, in an effort to come back from a double-digit deficit (something the Yankees have already half-accomplished once this season, trimming a previous 14-game lead to 7.5 with a hot streak in mid-June before a slump dropped them back), every game is vital.
But is it really better for Torre to avoid risking the season on unproven relievers like Ramirez and young Chris Britton (currently pitching at AAA—45 innings, 12 walks, 48 strikeouts and a 2.45 ERA there), rather than betting the farm on relievers proven to create heartache?
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After a solid BP session, Greg Zaun, the veteran catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, refused several reporter inquiries as he made his way towards the dugout tunnel.
“I’ve got to prepare—I’m playing today,” he said brusquely.
But several youngsters called out for his autograph, and responding to their generic pleas “Hey, can you sign this? Please?” He obliged, then resumed his preparations.
“Can you believe that,” one kid said to the other. “We got Troy Glaus!”
The life of a journeyman catcher: even charity to children goes unrecognized.
***
As always on Getaway Day, the last day of a homestand, equipment bags emblazoned with the Yankee logo sat in the tunnel between the hallway leading to the clubhouse and the dugout.
The Yankees head to Kansas City and Baltimore. All necessities come with them.
That includes a stack of cases piled high of David’s Sunflower Seeds and Bazooka Gum.
A clubhouse attendant noticed this reporter looking at them and said, approvingly, “There’s more.”
He was unclear on the exact amount, but if the partial supply is any indication, the total collection of Bazooka Joe comics, read start to finish, would rival the newest Harry Potter release for sheer verbosity and tonnage.
***
Don’t count on Dellin Betances to pull a Joe Smith and rocket to the major leagues in support of the Yankees’ stretch drive.
“I’ve got a long way to go,” Betances said after his last start Sunday. “I have a lot to learn.”
Betances has been wild so far this year. He was taken out after three innings in his Sunday start, complaining of some elbow tightness.
If he can stay healthy, look for him on the mound—in the new Yankee Stadium, not the House That Ruth Built.
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