I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of seeing the “Scranton Shuttle” come in day after day only to not get the job done in crucial spots. In a time when every single game is just about must-win, the Yankees can ill-afford to blow close games. This is why during the offseason, Brian Cashman needs to do everything in his power to improve the middle relief.
A couple of days ago, it was Anthony Swarzak who gave up a big three-run bomb against the Mariners in a game the Yankees had to win. Last night, it was Blake Parker who served up a big long-ball to Alcides Escobar. A 3-1 lead all of a sudden turned into a 6-1 lead, and it was deflating.
Take your pick over the course of this season. Nick Rumbelow, Nick Goody, Branden Pinder, Kirby Yates, Johnny Barbato, Chasen Shreve, Conor Mullee, Richard Bleier, Swarzak. They’ve all been inconsistent, and they’ve all cost the Yankees at some point. The keepers in the bullpen would be Tyler Clippard, Adam Warren and of course, Dellin Betances. Everyone else I listed above can go.
The Yankees will be getting Bryan Mitchell back, maybe this September, so he could definitely help out in the pen. Ben Heller is also an interesting name to keep an eye on. He was fast tracked through the minors, and has plus-stuff from the right said. If the Yankees can add those guys into the mix next year, along with a more veteran presence at middle relief, I think they’d be much improved.
Signing Aroldis Chapman would be a huge help, as well. Everyone would be able to slide down an inning, allowing Joe Girardi to bring in better relievers in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Looking at the other free agent relievers, nothing really jumps out at me. We’ve seen Cashman get creative with trades, so there’s always the chance he can find some middle relief that way.
Regardless of how Cashman does it, the issue needs to be addressed. It’s been frustrating to watch these guys come into games this year and not do their job. It’s almost predictable at this point. Good middle relief can make the difference when you’re fighting for a playoff spot. Over the past few weeks, the Yankees are finding that out.
