Bomber Bites With Jumping Joe–Will Adam Warren Be the New 8th Inning Guy?

If the Yankees fail to sign closer David Robertson, Dellin Betances figures to assume the ninth inning duties in 2015.  But what about the spot that Betances filled so historically last season, the eighth inning?

The Yankees faced a similar predicament last season with the retirement of longtime closer Mariano Rivera and the ascension of Robertson from setup man to closer.  No one at the time knew that the eighth inning would be so expertly handled by Betances.  After all, this time last year Betances was a former prospect clinging to his big league dreams with both hands.  It seemed just as likely that Betances would end up designated for assignment for his roster spot than he would be a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award. 

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So while the candidate who will eventually win the eighth inning job next season may have yet to emerge, the early leader has to be Adam Warren.  Warren actually went to spring training last season in competition with Michael Pineda, David Phelps and Vidal Nuno for the fifth starter spot in the rotation.  The competition was eventually won by Pineda but along the way Warren found his true calling in the big leagues.  He was destined to be a short reliever.

Mandatory Credit: Chad R. MacDonald.

Warren moved to the bullpen and out of nowhere gained a few extra mph on his fastball and some added break on his breaking ball.  Warren ended up fading a bit down the stretch but was a dominant middle reliever for most of the season.  He finished 3-6 with a 2.97 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 78.2 innings.  He would appear to be the current front-runner for the main setup man position in the Bomber bullpen heading into next season if Robertson leaves.

The other candidates for the 8^th inning position include Shawn Kelley, Justin Wilson, Preston Claiborne and Esmil Rogers.  Kelley is probably the only one of the group who is deserving of a shot along with Warren.  A very poor September dragged down his overall numbers, but he has the experience and makeup to do the job.

Warren should win the job over Kelley due to the fact that both have proven themselves capable of pitching in big spots but Warren has the potential to get even better.  Kelley is pretty much a known quantity at this point in his career and as the elder statesman in the Yankee bullpen unlikely to get much better.  Meanwhile, Warren is just entering the prime of his career and has the potential to be a shutdown setup man.