Predicting the last few spots
The Yankees put Morgan Ensberg on their 40-man roster after Friday's game, which helps to answer a few more questions about the Opening Day roster. Joe Girardi said that there's still competition going on, but in Ensberg's case, you have to think he's made the team. He's out of Minor League options and is a professional hitter.
Since we all know who's in the starting rotation and the starting lineup (if you need a refresher, scroll down to those green-themed St. Patrick's Day posts), let's focus on the bullpen. Here's the updated version:
BULLPEN BATTLES
Right-handed reliever: Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Ross Ohlendorf, Jonathan Albaladejo, Edwar Ramirez, Chris Britton, Scott Patterson
Seriously, take your pick. You can debate this one all day. To me, it's still wide open. Who would you take? I'll just throw Ohlendorf or Veras out there as the likeliest bet, but I wouldn't be shocked to see most of these guys on March 31.
Long reliever: Jeff Karstens or Darrell Rasner.
Karstens pitched well at Virginia Tech; Rasner just shut out the Rays for four innings. I still think the nod goes to Karstens and here's why -- he's on the 40-man roster and Rasner has an option remaining. Tough break for Rasner but there's always the possibility of a callup later in the year.
Lefty reliever: Billy Traber, Kei Igawa, Heath Phillips, Sean Henn
This one's all but over. I fully expect Traber to be in New York, and he should be, because he earned it. Igawa is best served by going to Triple-A and hammering out his control. Phillips didn't get too much of a look and even though Henn pitched decently, he may be one of those guys who benefits from a change of scenery.
We'll do the bench tomorrow.
Well, Bryan...It really is a toss-up, except for the lefthanded reliever role...I totally agree, Billy Traber is the clear choice as the lefty reliever!
Regarding the other two spots in the bullpen...
I would go with, Jose Veras as the right-handed reliever...
And, as long-reliever, I would at least start the season with Ross Ohlendorf in that role...
In my view, I think Karstens, Rasner, and Igawa would all be better off starting the season as "Starters" in (AAA) SWB...
Also, I would start the season with Brett Gardner on the roster [because of the speed he gives the Yankees off the bench], instead of Ensberg or Lane.
But, whatever the opening day roster is [on March 31th], we can expect many changes [if needed] throughout the year...
(AAA) SWB; and, (AA) Trenton, are only a phone call away, and a short drive to New York!
Jimmy27NYY
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I always liked Veras's stuff and found Bruney unreliable at times. But with that being said I would take Bruney over Veras, purely based on the fact that Bruney's ERA this spring is a meager 2.84, while Veras's is an eye-popping 7.20.
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Hey, if anyone is interested in seeing a very funny video clip of a prank the Philadelphia Phillies played on one of their pitchers [Kyle Kendrick], check-out the "Ultimate Baseball Collector" MLBlog, an excellent Blog by a young kid, Chris [who has a great collection of baseball pictures and autographs from many ballplayers, on his site]...click on:
http://ultimatebaseballcollector.mlblogs.com/
This video gives a rare look inside a Major League Clubhouse, showing how players have fun playing pranks on their teammates!
Jimmy27NYY
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Bryan,
Would the Yankees be able to carry Ensberg, Betemit and Duncan? Given Giambi is playing first and Sui barring a trade to the Mets or Dodgers will DH, what role could Duncan have? Duncan would be better suited to be called up in the second half to give this team an energy lift.
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Rasner pitched well when Clemens came home last year.
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I have a nasty feel Igawa is gonna make the roster but not as a starter. Long reliever or lefty specialist.
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I think Gardner will start the season in the minors as there isn't enough room in the roster, and he needs consistent ABs along with playing time. That would best suit him until later in the season. It would also give him time to work on his K's which are little high and let him work on his walk production while at the same time raise his BA a little bit. He can't do that sitting on the bench.
I too think that it Karstens, Igawa, and Rasner would be better off starting the season in the minors, but unfortunately I've had that same sick feeling bpark has for a while now in regards to Igawa. Of those three, I would definitely prefer Rasner to be on the roster. I definitely see Bruney over Veras in the pen.
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After his last start, I think Rasner pulled ahead in the race for long reliever as Karstens has yet to show he has anything. He had a start against a bunch of college kids, but has to impress against a ML lineup which he has not done yet.
This team also better start straightening out its defense as well before the start of the season.
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Personally I don't want Rasner or Karstens. I don't know who I'd rather see, I guess we don't have that person on the roster.
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Possibly Horne or Marcquez could step in or someone currently in the pen steps up.
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