WHY HITTERS RESPECT DAVID ROBERTSON

(Photo: Getty)
George A. King III of the New York Post does it better than anyone out there and he had this nugget the other day I wanted to share and it’s got to make someone like David Robertson feel good. Read his story HERE.

“According to Johnny Damon, American League players have anointed David Robertson the top eighth inning reliever. ‘The players you talk to say he is the best setup man in the game…He has opened some eyes.’”

(Photo: Getty)

That’s mad respect and I’ll tell you why. This is Johnny Damon and while there’s no bad blood between he and the Yankees, it’s unusual that you hear such a thing when 2 teams are playing against each, or were, in a 4 game rivalry game series. Also, you have to take into account that Robertson was put in that role for a reason. Yes, his talent was a factor, but it was also luck. He was literally the next man after the others got hurt. Rafael Soriano went on a shelf and Joba had season ending surgery. We were left with David Robertson, which, by the way, was a good problem because DRob has always needed a role and now he’s proven himself ten-fold.

In 41 games this year, DRob has a 1.17 ERA and a 3-0 record. Now, I worry because the last thing I want to see is Robertson lose his job to Soriano who is literally a week or 2 away from returning. I keep reading August 1^st so, it’s coming.

So, what will happen? Rafael Soriano was supposed to be our setup guy and that’s why he came to New York in the first place. Mariano Rivera was the closer and convinced the Yanks to take a chance on RaSo. When he got here, Mo took RaSo under his wing. It was loosely billed as the guy who takes over the closing role when Mo retires. Well, if he’s not setting up now, will he get the same opportunity to be a future closer in New York in a few years and will he be the 7th inning guy when he returns in a week? If not, why would Soriano want to stick around? You see what I mean? I see Soriano coming back and not being all too pleased. I see a conflict in the clubhouse and I hope to God I’m wrong about this. Can you tell I don't feel like Soriano is team player?

One thing is for sure though, David Robertson is our Golden Boy and the future of the New York Yankees and DRob needs to be in that setup role. He deserves it, he’s proved himself and he’s absolutely lights out. It’s like having 2 closers in 1 game, and you have to love that 1, 2 punch.

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