Chad Jennings has one of the best roundups of Yankee pitching that I’ve ever read. He looked at every pitcher heading into camp this weekend and speculates on their role following spring training. The highlights:
Michael Dunn
In camp to make the kind of impression that could accelerate his climb through the system.
Likely to end up in the Trenton bullpen.
Worth knowing that Mark Newman has said Dunn could be a surprise big league roster candidate this spring.David Robertson
In camp to compete for one of the spots at the back of the New York bullpen.
Likely to end up in the New York bullpen. I’ll go ahead and pick Robertson as the seventh major league reliever, joining Giese and beating out Albaladejo, Coke, Melancon and Aceves. This is, obviously, subject to change.
Worth knowing that the grand slam Robertson allowed to Adam Jones on July 28 was the first home run he surrendered as a professional.Mark Melancon (right)
In camp to fight for a spot in the major league bullpen, possibly a role in the late innings.
Likely to end up in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre bullpen, but I do believe he has a very real shot to open in New York. This one might be 50-50 whether he’s in the big leagues or Triple-A. I’ve got some quotes from Melancon that you all will like. I’m planning to post them this weekend.
Worth knowing that as Melancon went from Tampa to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, his opponents batting average got lower with every stop while his strikeout-to-walk ratio got higher.Phil Coke
In camp to make the Yankees want him in the big league bullpen rather than the Triple-A rotation.
Likely to end up in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre rotation, but I’m saying that strictly because the Yankees have told him to prepare himself as a starter. He seems to have as good a chance as any of the candidates to land one of those big league bullpen openings.
Worth knowing that Coke made one spot start for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre early last season and was knocked around, but he returned to Triple-A late in the year and went 11 straight relief outings without a run.
The rest is worth reading.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
3 Responses to Jennings Writes Smart Things About Everyone
Leave a Reply
TIQ IQ
I think Alby makes the team, along with Edwar, Veras, Bruney, Marte, Giese, and Mo in the pen. I think we see Coke and Robertson plenty throughout the year, plus Melancon at some point over the summer.
Jennings has a great site. He has great contacts. He is always informtive, and usually pretty close to being right on the money in what he says.
An excellent job. It’s hard to find anything to disagree with.