WHY THERE'S A STEADY BRIDGE TO MO TOWN

Probably the main strength of the Yankees this season is their bullpen. We all know what Mariano Rivera brings to the table, but it's the other guys leading up to him that make this bullpen special. This bullpen is probably as good as the ones in the mid to late '90's and early 2000's with the likes of Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton, Graeme Lloyd, Ramiro Mendoza, among others.

In the off season, the Yankees signed two relievers from the free agent market. Both of those guys came from current rivals to the Yankees. First, the Yankees signed lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano formerly, from the New York Mets. Feliciano has essentially a rubber arm, by setting the Major league record three consecutive seasons in appearances. The current record stands at 92 games. If used correctly, Feliciano can be a key asset. And the other free agent signing from the Yankees came weeks later, as they signed former Tampa Bay Ray Rafael Soriano. Soriano led the league in saves with 45, and in the process, he earned his first career AL All Star selection. Obviously with Mariano Rivera being in the fold for at least the next two seasons, Soriano will be the teams primary setup man. And what duo that will be in the 8th and 9th innings.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Also, the Yankees will be bringing back several relievers from last year's bullpen core. One of the returning players is David Robertson. Once again, like 2009, Robertson had an outstanding strikeout/nine innings with a 10.4 rate. In 2009, Robertson had a 13 K/9 rate. He'll probably be the main guy to turn to in the 7th inning, although that role could be shared by a number of guys.

Another arm returning is that of Joba Chamberlain. Although Chamberlain may not pitch until next week due to a left oblique strain, look for him to carry his second half performance, in which he had a 2.88 ERA in the second half, and a 4.63 strikeout/walk ratio. Chamberlain may not be the main guy in the seventh inning, but if David Robertson struggles early in the year, which he has the last two years, look for the 25 year old hurler to move up in the pecking order.

The final arm returning next season that will help build the bridge to Rivera is lefty reliever Boone Logan. When Logan was called up in the first half of last year he was was brought in to get more than a batter or two out at a time. But in the second half Logan was used more a situational lefty, and he really flourished. In 34 second half games, the lefty Logan allowed just 14 hits, while striking out 25 in 21.2 innings. He posted a stellar 2.08 ERA in that period.

On paper, the Yankees clearly have their best 'pen since the dynasty a decade plus ago. And, you can make a very valid argument that the Yankees have the two best relievers in the majors in their bullpen, in Mariano Rivera and Rafael Soriano. Both made the AL All Star team. Both had an ERA more than a hair under two, and both have great track records in the American League East.

The bullpen is clearly the strength of this club, and the bridge is as strong as it has been in a long time. The Yanks will definitely be taking the bridge to Mo town this year... for sure.



--Jesse Schindler BYB Guest Writer



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