Trading Any Of The Yankees Bullpen Trio Is Insanity

Well hello there everybody! Welcome to This Week In Yankees Baseball. Trading any of the Yankees Big Three in the bullpen is insanity. And it contradicts the proven formula the Yankees have used to build their dynasties.

Still, the rumors persist about the availability of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman. But so far, the Yankees have wisely stood pat.

“Since Aroldis returned from suspension on May 9, the trio has helped turn the Yankees season around. Their impact has really shown in the Yankees record. Since the trio has been together, the Yankees have gone 21-13 to move one-game above .500…” Yahoo Sports pointed out recently.

Since Chapman came back, the trio ran a stretch of only 17 earned runs in 71.1 innings. During the stretch they combined for an ERA of 2.13. They struck out 128 batters while allowing only 14 walks.

The Yankees formula for building each of its dynasties has always centered around keeping what is working and replacing what isn’t. Gabe Paul helped build the successful Yankees teams of the ’70s by adding piece by piece. Chris Chambliss, Willie Randolph, Bucky Dent Graig Nettles, Mickey Rivers, Goose Gossage and on and on. Not by going out and getting successful pieces and then dumping them.

The same thing happened for the team built in the ’90’s. Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius etc. Producers stayed and non-producers hit the road.

It’s really not a stroke of genius. And it applies in all walks of life. If your computer system is running smoothly do you replace the IT person? If the customers love a waitress or waiter do you get rid of them? Of course not.

Sure, the Yankees need to get better. But they need to follow the prescription that has brought them success over and over again. Right now, they know if they can get to the seventh inning with a lead that they are in great shape. They should leave their strength alone and concentrate on what is needed to get there.