Yankees May Need to Trade Relievers

All offseason, every journalist, columnist, and blogger who ranted about how the Yankees have bought their entire roster and are playing with an unfair advantage has completely and totally ignored the Yankee bullpen.

These days their bullpen has become a strength, and it comes at a huge discount too. Most of it is young, cheap, and homegrown. It’s the one area where the farm has produced well of late—so well that now they have too many arms, and it’s likely that they are going to have to deal a few of them before the season is over.

Of course we know that the bullpen is where Mariano Rivera lurks, but Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, and Brian Bruney played big roles last season and are likely to again. Damaso Marte, who was once a Yankee farmhand, will have a role too, but there are other players expected to chip in as well.

Phil Coke, a long shot for fifth starter, is also likely to be a part of the 2009 pen. Jonathan Albaladejo, Alfredo Aceves, Mark Melancon, and David Robertson are also strong possibilities to have major roles this year.

If that was where it stopped, the Yankees would be in great shape with plenty of depth in case of ineffectiveness or injury, but there is actually more.

Humberto Sanchez and Anthony Claggett, both of whom came over in the Gary Sheffield deal, should be about ready to contribute soon. Other pitchers like Michael Dunn, Kevin Whelan, and J.B. Cox could be ready as late season call-ups. Let’s not forget Dan Giese either.

That’s not just a couple of homegrown relievers—it’s an entire army, and at some point somebody is going to have to go. It’s a good strength to have also, as teams are always looking for bullpen help.

Even if the Yankees don’t make a move anytime soon, at this year’s trade deadline a few of these guys, packaged with Juan Miranda, a minor league first baseman who is now stuck behind Mark Teixeira, and some outfielders could go a very long way.

At that time one or both Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera could be available, and if the Yankees hung on to Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher until then, they could put together a package that would rival any team.

Needless to say, this is a very good problem for the Yankees to have, and it’s one to keep an eye on come July.