When Tom mentioned Phil Coke as an option for the long relief spot in Joe Girardi’s bullpen, I disparaged the idea. Jerking a young pitcher from role to role can often stunt their development and hinder their performance in both roles, as Ross Ohlendorf showed us last season. However, the Yankees seem ready to use Coke much as they did Ohlendorf:
I stopped Joe Girardi in the clubhouse today as I wanted to get some clarification on how they plan to use Phil Coke.
The verdict is … reliever.
“He’s a guy we see being able to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. That’s how we’re going to try and develop him,” Girardi said. “Right now, he’s not a starter.”
If Coke gets stretched out enough, he would fit into that long reliever role. But being left-handed, he also could be used situationally.
“I feel like I could go four innings if they want or pitch to one batter,” Coke said yesterday. “I started a lot in the minors but I liked pitching in relief last year. Whatever they want.”
(Pete Abe)
As I mentioned above, I do not love this idea. I would prefer that the Yankees use Phil as a one inning reliever, while utilizing him situationally against lefties as well. However, being that the Yankees are planning to use him in a mixed role, it is interesting to note the way in which this may affect the rest of the bullpen.
Assuming that the Yankees go with seven relievers, and Rivera, Bruney, and Marte are guaranteed spots, they are left with four slots to determine during camp. Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras probably have a leg up based upon last season, although Edwar’s shoulder issues may eliminate his advantage. Originally, I assumed that Giese would be the long man, and Coke would likely beat out the others for the final spot. However, if Coke can win the long reliever slot, that leaves a roster space open for one of the younger relievers, such as Albaladejo, Melancon, and Robertson, all of whom are players that I expect to contribute heavily by the time August rolls around. Essentially, the decision as to the long reliever could have an important ripple effect, and is something to keep an eye on during spring training.
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9 Responses to Coke For Long Relief?
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TIQ IQ
Yea, I agree, having Coke as a long reliever sounds like a bad idea. I wouldn’t mind seeing him become a situational guy who can also face righties, which would allow Marte to slot in as the setup man.
And then melancon makes the team, dominates, wrests the setup role away, best bullpen ever…….maybe I’m getting a bit carried a way.
Damn, I would have liked to see coke get another shot at starting. Apparently leftieds take a little longer to develop than righties. Oh well though ,I guess a good reliever at the mlb level is better than an average starter in AAA.
I disagree with those disagreeing. I’ve always been a fan of RPs throwing more than one inning, but having fewer appearances.
If he’s been a starter, he shouldn’t have any problem pitching multiple innings with a few games off between appearances.
(If it was somebody like Baker or Torre that used guys for multiple innings on consecutive days, I’d have the opposite opinion.)
Do you still support it if it limits his availability as a situational lefty?
I think Marte is more likely to be used in that role.
I agree that it would be a mistake if Girardi tries to use Coke in both roles.
He should be used strictly a long man, otherwise I agree that it retards his progress.
I think they want Marte to be the 8th inning guy. i doubt you see Marte face a big lefty in the 6th inning.
I have a feeling that Alfredo Aceves is going to be the one to grab the long reliever spot. He’s not a traditional prospect, his years in the Mexican league have left him a lot more polished. If he doesn’t have a big impact with the Yankees soon he probably never will.
COke has a fastball, good breaking stuff and great control.He looks like he can do anything.Start , lefty specialist, long relief.