Yankees Editorial: Dellin Betances Is The Man In The Pen

In 2014, the New York Yankees saw one of their highly anticipated prospects arrive in a big way. Dellin Betances, one of the former Killer B’s, lit up opponents and the score board with his electric fastball. According to Fangraphs.com, Betances ranked 14th in all of the Major Leagues for average fastball velocity with an outstanding 96.6 MPH. In a game on August 2nd, 2014 at Fenway, Betances became one of eight pitchers to break 100 MPH with a fastball; the accurate measurement was listed at 100.4 MPH.

He went on to become the man out of the bullpen with his ability to work his way out of tough situations and to put the hammer down on the opposing team. Baseball-Reference.com displays the great stat line and shows that the power setup man finished his first full season with a 1.40 ERA, 13.5 K/9, 3.7 WAR, and 22 holds in 90.0 innings pitched. His tremendous work ethic was enough to help him to become an All-Star and finish third in the Rookie of the Year for the American League. 

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

Now that David Robertson has left the Yankees for the Chicago White Sox, there is a void for the position of ninth inning closer. It could go to Betances or the newly acquired Andrew Miller, but in any case, Betances knows that there are high expectations for him in 2015. Dan Martin of the New York Post reported coverage on the 35th annual Thurman Munson Awards dinner in which Betances was honored. The topic of 2014 was discussed and Betances showed a clear understanding of what is to come next.

"“œLast year, no one expected anything of me. Toward the second half, a lot of guys started noticing me more. I had to change my approach the same way they changed their approach to me.”"

It is nothing new for a pitcher to have to adjust his game to counter the batter’s adjustment. That is the wild-wild-west showdown of a pitcher and batter; it becomes a mental chess match of brains mixed with pure abilities. Betances showed what he was capable of, but now he must step up in 2015 and prove that he can be the man out of the bullpen. If Betances and Miller both have the seasons they are capable of, then the Yankees can easily have one of the best bullpens and give both the starters and Joe Girardi some piece of mind.

Next: Expectations For Veteran Infielders

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)