New York Yankees Rumors: Righty Relief Needed?

May 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher J.J. Hoover (60) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning in game one of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Cincinnati won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Hoover

First non-ex Yankee on the list but that’s fine. The big sexy name out of the Reds bullpen is Aroldis Chapman, but he’s a lefty too (though he’s really freaking awesome).

If the Reds are going to go into rebuild mode, J.J. Hoover is someone the Yankees should look at. The guy hasn’t given up a earned run since April. That’s Betances-nasty!

Do I have your attention now? Good.

His ERA is 2.14 but his FIP is 3.07 so maybe he’s pitching into some good luck right now. His BABIP against is just .186.

Hoover is keeping the ball on the ground at an absurd rate. 50% of the time. If you keep it out of the air, you can get good things to happen for you and Hoover is an example of that.

Hoover is relying on his fastball a little bit more this year. Per Fangraphs, his usage of it is up three percent from 65% to 68%.

Hoover had a terrible year last year, going 1-10 with a 4.88 ERA. It could be that things are evening out for him this year. Bullpen pitchers for the most part have performance fluctuations from year to year. May as well try and get someone at a high point for this year.