Yankees’ Editorial: Bronx is Boiling: Hopes for 2015

Aug 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) pitches against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. The bullpen becomes the envy of the league.

The Kansas City Royals’ bullpen is insane. Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland were seemingly untouchable all season long. Unlike many Yankees’ writers, I bid David Robertson a fond adieu. It really does not have much to do with his ability (or inability) as a closer. It simply has to do with the fact that this Yankees’ bullpen is better than last year’s.

David Carpenter, Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances are a scary three headed monster. Once the Yankees’ brass open their eyes and call Jacob Lindgren up to the big leagues (hopefully before the All Star Break) the Yanks could become untouchable for the last three to four innings of baseball games.

Imagine if CC Sabathia had to pitch five innings every five days. Or if Chris Capuano or whoever wins the fifth slot out of spring training can limit his innings until Ivan Nova is ready to re-join the rotation. Masahiro Tanaka was clearly not ready for the marathon of American baseball, so this season, they can limit him until the end of the season so he is fresh.

This bullpen is shaping up to be a vital weapon not just to close games, but to control them. Quite frankly, I don’t care if Betances is the full-time closer to start the year or if he splits time with Miller as the Yankees figure out the best option. The pieces are in place for this to be the best bullpen in baseball.

Next: Eovaldi Shines