Yankees and the length of major league baseball games

The Yankees are in the midst of a playoff run. Just like every other playoff team they are taking advantage of the September call up rule. This has caused games to go on and on and on, often eclipsing the three-hour mark in duration. And that my friend, was before the roster expansions.

The Yankees, like all teams, took full advantage of their ability to call up any and all on their forty man roster, in September. They simply brought up players, they felt could help down the stretch, on the forty man roster. It’s still an ongoing process with a player being on the disabled list and minor league teams in their playoffs.

Yankees and all teams are expanding their roster for a good reason. First, they are rewarding and getting a look at potential minor league talent. The goal here is to give valuable experience to up and coming talent for the team’s future.

It is also evaluation time of potential twenty-five man roster addition for the next season or who should stay on the forty man roster going forwards.

As mentioned before, teams in the playoff hunt, are bringing up talent more for in hopes of that young talent aiding them as they push towards a playoff berth. Sometimes as simple as adding that added needed lefty out of the pen. Maybe a spot starter for an upcoming double-hitter.

We have already witness games, where teams have used that expanded roster, to bring in relievers to face one and two hitters. Sometimes throwing six or fewer pitches. This merry-go round usage of the bullpen has increased the game length. Isn’t this just strategy?