Yankees News: New York Yankees Closer Slot Is Still Open

The New York Yankees closer situation is still open. And it looks as if everyone is happy that way.

“I have talked to both guys and they are concerned about winning more than titles in a sense of, ‘I am this guy, I am this guy.’ ” Joe Girardi said according to The New York Post. “That’s the sense I have gotten from them. Could it iron itself out and you start to do it one way, yes. I’ll continue to talk to my coaches, what do you think the importance of it is, set a role. But as of right now we have felt we haven’t had to.’’

Still, it´s a situation that can make some Yankees followers nervous. It has been a long time since the Yankees have not had a definite go-to guy in the ninth inning. David Robertson, with the exception of a few shaky outings, performed well overall last season. And of course, before that it was Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all time.

But to their credit, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller have put the team first. “I am ready for whatever and adapt to the situation,’’ Miller said according to The New York Post. “There is no established closer, we are all flexible.’’

And Betances has not complained at all, even though he seemed to be the heir apparent after Robertson´s departure. “I have to be ready when my name is called,’’ Betances said, also according to The New York Post. “I just want to win. Whatever the situation I am in I want to help the team win.’’

Looking at the big picture, perhaps this is the best way for the Yankees to begin the season. The Yankees have in effect taken the pressure off of Betances and Miller. Let´s face it, any Yankee who assumes the closer title will inevitably draw comparisons to Rivera. There is no escaping it. This way, they can both relax and concentrate on being themselves, without worrying about chasing a legend.

“I think if you do it that way, and as long as you are prepared, it has a chance to be advantageous, too,’’ Girardi said, also according to the New York Post.

As the season progresses, things should work themselves out. For now, competition should only bring out the best in both pitchers. And that can only work to the Yankees advantage.