WHY THE YANKEES SHOULD EXTEND THE BRIDGE TO MO

In 2011, we felt great about our bullpen with Robertson, Joba, RaSo, and Mariano closing out games. This rotation was eventually toyed around with and it was changed to RaSo, DRob, and Mo because Joba got hurt and was out for the year. With Robertson's breakout year, he is the next Yankee closer after Mo, I have no doubt and deserves the set up role for sure. But with Joba coming back and everyone healthy going into 2012, here's a look at what I think next year's bridge should look like:

5th inning: Phil Hughes, 6th inning: Joba 7th: RaSo 8th: DRob 9th: Mo.

Phil Hughes belongs in the bullpen. I really believe that and Casey has stated it as well. Read WHY I'D MOVE HUGHES TO THE PEN. The Yankees clearly are in limbo about this kid and don't know if he will ever return to his 18 game form of 2010. If he performs well in the bullpen, leave him there. It messes with a pitcher's mind if he keeps being switched from the bullpen to the rotation and back. Pick a spot and stick with it Girardi!

With my proposed bridge, the 2012 Yankees bullpen bridge will be longer than the Bang Na Expressway in China, the longest traffic bridge in the world which is 34 miles long! With such a sturdy bullpen, the Yanks should be worried about 1 more legit starter, and let some of the kids try out for a spot or 2. If Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos can give us 4 or 5 strong innings every time for the first half of the season, well be in great shape with our huge bridge to close out games. The bridge definitely makes Girardi's job a whole lot easier, not having to worry about how to finish games; just who is starting them. That's how I see it anyway.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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