Will the Yankees stick with Marte and Logan?

Currently, the Yankee bullpen boasts a 4.15 FIP and a 4.35 xFIP. When compared across the two leagues, both numbers are fairly average, however, it should be noted that each figure is somewhat illusory. In reality, Joba Chamberlain – 2.25 FIP and 3.15 xFIP – and Mariano Rivera – 2.79 FIP and 3.46 FIP – [...]

Yanks worried about Dave Robertson?

Via Joel Sherman of the NY Post:
David Robertson has not thrown the ball well from late in spring training right through this early season. Now keep in mind that it is both early and that the Yankees like Robertson a lot. They not only love his stuff, but think that he is tough-minded and can [...]

Yanks to donate $500,000 toward rescue and relief efforts in Haiti

Nice work by the Yankees. If you’re not sure why the team is donating $500K, click here.

The Yankees should sign Soriano

Despite Brian Cashman’s recent admission, that the bullpen is not an “area of obvious need,” today Buster Olney (ESPN) writes that the Yankees “No. 1 area of focus, beyond the Damon/Matsui realm: their bullpen. They will look for two relievers, in all likelihood.” This is a strange comment, as the team’s second real need “beyond [...]

Hughes “more of a lock” to start than Joba?

Anthony DiComo (MLB) has a good read out regarding the Yankees’ young right-hander, Joba Chamberlain. In the piece, DiComo discusses Joba’s future in 2010, noting that his role has yet to be defined, although recently, when asked, Brian Cashman hinted that Joba would enter spring training as a starter. Of course, when DiComo questioned Joba [...]

Burnett in the bullpen

From Mark Feinsand (props to RAB), we learn that A.J. Burnett will be available as a reliever for the final two games of the series after throwing only 53 pitches in Game 5 (how’s that for short-rest?). Joe Girardi did, however, note that a Burnett relief appearance would be unlikely. I assume he would only [...]

Will Bruney be the bridge?

Based on last year’s numbers, Brian Bruney, the walk-happy wonder, would seem like the best option in the 8th. He posted a superb ERA of 1.83 in 34.1 IP. He walked 16 and struck out 33. But, using my new best friend, it appears as though those numbers are likely to regress in 2009.
Analyzing his [...]

Joba Ready To Return

Joba says that he’s ready to return after facing live hitters in a simulated game, earlier today. There’s no word on when Joba will be activated but I would assume that, since his session went well, he’ll be pitching out of the bullpen tomorrow night. The Yankees can use another arm out there, so it’d [...]

Robertson Gets a Shot

Dave Robertson, who has produced an impressive body of work in the minors (with little time), has gotten the call and will be with the Yankees today against the Mets. He has only thrown a little over 50 innings in AAA and AA ball (in ‘08), but he’s definitely got the strikeout pitches working (fastball, [...]

Minor League Moves Sign of Something More?

From PA at the LoHud Blog:
Two interesting minor-league moves this week. J.B. Cox was promoted to AAA Scranton and Mark Melancon has been assigned to AA Trenton. Confirmed the moves with Brian Cashman today.
I haven’t had a chance to ask Cashman about this yet, and I’m not sure he would answer the question, but this [...]