Was Matt Daley The Right Add For The Yankees Bullpen?

Mar 26, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Matt Daley (40) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees had no choice. After last night’s debacle from the bullpen, including probably one of the worst meltdowns this side of Sergio Santos out of the bullpen, Cesar Cabral was designated for assignment. According to reports, including the Newark Star Ledger, the Yankees purchased the contract off Matt Daley to replace Cabral. Was this the correct move?

Daley appeared in seven games for the Yankees last season, after a rash of injuries in the bullpen last September. He didn’t give up a run in seven games, and even won a game. He struck out eight in six innings. At AAA Scranton this year, Daley is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four games.

To me, though, there are two guys who I might have taken over Daley. One is currently on the 40-man roster, and one isn’t.

The one who is on the 40-man is Preston Claiborne. I’m a big believer in Claiborne’s ability and he was fantastic early on last season. It just seemed like he wore down down the stretch because he may not have been used to the grind quite yet. Was he awful this spring? Yes. Maybe he’s figuring it out in AAA. Claiborne so far has struck out seven in six innings with a 1.50 ERA. He’s given up seven hits which isn’t great either, but they wouldn’t have had to possibly lose Cabral on waivers, unless the organization is through with him.

One guy who’s not on the 40-man, who could have been a nice possibility is Danny Burawa. Burawa has struck out 12 in 6.2 innings and looked good in Spring Training, but is currently on the DL. How about their closer, Mark Montgomery? We’ve heard a lot about him, and he could have given the Yankees another late inning option to play with. He’s recorded two saves, struck out six in 6.1 innings and given up just three hits.

I understand why they added Daley, being a little more experienced in the majors, but I would’ve like to see the Yankees go with a younger player to see what they have.