Sunday, November 23, 2014

Francisco Rodriguez For The Yankees Pen In 2015?



The Yankees at least for now are without their closer in David Robertson for the 2015 season thus weakening New York's bullpen.  Now while I am a huge advocate for Joe Girardi and his ability to build a bullpen on the fly, especially with prospects, I think everyone would like a little more certainty. Francisco Rodriguez signed a minor league deal in 2013 with the Milwaukee Brewers and a major league deal in 2014 as well and has done nothing but lock down games since leaving the Mets. 

Every pitcher comes with pros and cons obviously. Rodriguez strikes out guys, has closing experience, doesn't walk many batters, has not given up many home runs in his career and gets almost enough ground balls to survive in Yankee Stadium. He has also pitched in the New York market before with him time with the New York Mets which while it probably does not compare it cannot really hurt.

The cons are painfully obvious especially looking at his half a season in the AL East in 2013. While K Rod finished with a 2.70 ERA in 2013 he also had a 4.50 ERA while in an Orioles uniform. He gave up over twice the home runs in the AL as he did in the NL, and was average according to WAR.

Should the Yankees take the plunge and the chance? Absolutely! As much as I love David Robertson he could sign elsewhere and having a suitable back up plan is never a bad idea. Who cares if he beat his father in law, can he get batters out with consistency? I wouldn't mind finding out...

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)