The Yankees Offseason If I Was in Charge
Sign Brad Ziegler
Yankees relievers not named Bentances, Miller, Chapman or Clippard had a rough year. Richard Bleier flashed success, throwing 23 innings with a 1.96 ERA and did not allow a home run.
The 29-year-old rookie dominated lefties, holding opponents to a .150 average, and striking out 12 of the 43 he faced. Brad Ziegler would enhance the bullpen by giving Girardi the option to mix and match an inning with Bleier. Ziegler against the righties, and Bleier against the lefties. That would save the eighth inning for Tyler Clippard, who ended his season on a high-note with the Yankees. Ziegler also has experience closing, and could help mentor Dellin Betances.
While the Yankees are realistically at least two years away from a chance at contending for the World Series, the moves they make this offseason may make or break the chances they have at making a deep postseason run in the future.
Next: Platoon Options for 2017 Yankees Lineup
These moves would set the Yankees up for long-term success, as the core of their farm system would stay in tact, while adding key veterans to the mix. My message to the Steinbrenner family: I’m just a call away.