New York Yankees’ camp trip looks good with top bullpen
The New York Yankees are moving into the seasonal spring training period with a lot on their mind and the question on everyone’s mind is whether the club has what it takes to beat the competition in the American League East division.
The walk to stardom comes at a cost and the Yanks know that too well.
Unlike last season, they do not have the firepower similar to that of last year, when it comes to the rotation. They have a problem there and even though that is a confirmed fact, there is the bullpen to consider. Rafael Soriano
is in the mix this year and his inclusion comes as a surprise. As a matter of fact, general manager, Brian Cashman, was not supportive of the deal.
The only reason the contract came through was due to the Steinbrenner brothers vetoing their decision on bringing Soriano to the Bronx. The player posted American League’s best saves tally for last year with 45. He will be in the
mix with Mariano Rivera and his role will be simple and brief. Yankees’ Outfielder Nick Swisher talked about Soriano, recently.
"From a guy that's been in the box against him, I think he just takes a whole inning off of the game," Nick Swisher said of Soriano. "Anytime he's in the game, with him and Mo in the 'pen, it turns it into a seven-inning game."
Joba Chamberlain is another asset in the bullpen and he is focusing straight on his relief role. The once starting pitcher is looking for his lost form. Only time will tell when he would be able to impress the management again,
given his dip in form. New York Yankees brought in Pedro Feliciano as another man in the bullpen and his role is more suited for the Boston Red Sox’s batting order.
The main problem has been quelling the problems coming out of the starting pitching department. Carsten Charles Sabathia will be leading the pack with Phil Hughes, Allan James Burnett, Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre.
The last two pitchers are not able enough and that has the club worried. With Andy Pettitte announcing retirement, there is not much positive energy going into the next season. However catcher, Jorge Posada is not concerned.
"If it's not good, we probably can do a lot of things on the (Trade Deadline) to fix that, so I'm not worried about the team," Jorge Posada said. "You know, we've got a good team. We're looking forward to Spring Training."
The major problem in the line-up, however, lies with the rotation. The hitters are more than able to contribute and that is not an issue, going into the spring training camp.
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