ANOTHER BULLPEN PIECE: JOE BLANTON?

(Oct. 19, 2016 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees are out of money after spending big money on Aroldis Chapman. Or, so the Yankees say. Whether you believe that part or not pitching is still a priority for the team. The Yankees may gamble with a young and inexperienced starting rotation but the bullpen needs some help. There is an interesting option out there that hasn't been talked about much....yet.

Who remembers Joe Blanton? A long time ago he was part of one of the best rotations in baseball and won a World Series ring. He eventually turned into an average at best starter who struggled with consistency and keeping a winning record. His ineffective cutter resulted in too many home runs. During spring training in 2014 he decided to call it a career until he had a change of heart and returned in 2015 as a relief pitcher and has reinvented himself.

(Oct. 12, 2016 - Source: Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

In 2016 Blanton pitched 80 innings in 75 games with a 2.48 ERA. The new role has helped him maintain his mechanics, increase his velocity and throw his entire pitching arsenal without sacrificing all of the runs he gave away as a starter. He proved to be effective for the Kansas City Royals and was a contributing factor to the Dodgers run in the post season. All of his experience as a starter and a reliever could be very useful to a young team like the Yankees.

(Sept. 23, 2016 - Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America)

Since moving to the bullpen he has proven that he can be a late inning reliever. He could be a good, low cost addition to the Yankees and could be a great bridge between the starters and Tyler Clippard or even Dellin Betances.

(April 23, 2016 - Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees may claim to be out of money but he would be a cheap addition and if the Yankees do get some cash from the Nick Goody trade it could offset some of that money. Blanton would be one of the cheapest available pitchers with a proven track record. He probably wouldn't cost more than the $6 million they have to pay Clippard now and to the Yankees that is pocket change. It's a small price to pay for a veteran arm.

(Feb. 19, 2016 - Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

I never really considered Blanton before but after seeing his success last year and knowing how cost effective he could be for the Yankees I think it could be a good fit. The Yankees need another bullpen arm....and Blanton is looking for a job. He may not be the perfect fit but he's not expensive and would be an acceptable risk. You can never have enough arms, right? I wouldn't mind that for a Christmas present this year.

 --Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ



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