WAIT... JOEL HANRAHAN? MAYBE...

Yesterday, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported that the Yankees are keeping a "close eye" on 32 year old righthander Joel Hanrahan. 

Now look, Hanrahan has not pitched since May 2013 after getting shut down by the Boston Red Sox and undergoing Tommy John surgery.  Martino wrote: "The Yankees also continue to monitor another former All-Star, Joel Hanrahan, who underwent Tommy John last year (the Mets have also watched him throw a bullpen session). 

If Robertson is successful, a player like Hanrahan would probably serve as a setup man. All of this might end up being due diligence, but it underscores that even internally, the Yankees understand their bullpen is thin, a potential weakness that could undermine some of their improvements in other areas, like the rotation and lineup." 

Now, before anyone belly aches with this as a possible "acquisition of damaged goods", ultimately the addition is still beneficial.  We need to build up the bullpen, that is a fact. This in no way means the Yankees doubt David Robertson can handle the closer role. The Yankees seem happy with their decision to make DRob the 9th inning guy.  And, I think most fans feel that way too. Stockpiling pitchers on the roster never hurts.  It's something all teams do.

If the Yankees were to sign Hanrahan, this could be a low-risk, high-reward move if he can come in and be effective for us right away.  But if not, then hey...  it's onto the next one.  I'm all for this move if the Yankees decide to go for it. Like the saying goes "You can never have too much pitching." This certainly applies to a team with a 'pen that is undergoing a serious makeover since Mariano's departure.

Stay tuned...

 
Rudy Laurens

BYB Writer

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