Bullpen, Check

Bryan Hoch notes that the Yankees, believe or not, have constructed a fairly formidable bullpen for 2009. It’s actually very strange, especially when you factor in the absolute confusion and utter disarray that has typified the Yankees’ bullpen over the past few years (outside of Mariano Rivera, of course, who turned 39 yesterday). Now, with Damaso Marte locked up, Joe Girardi has multiple options to go to when the situation calls for it. The setup guy role can be a mix-and-match job, at least at the beginning of the season. However, I predict that Marte will ultimately run away with the role.

Bruney and Veras  are certainly overpowering, but they can definitely lose it at times (control-wise). Meanwhile, although Edwar built on his forgettable 2007 campaign (a product of Joe Torre), he is still very prone to the long ball. Basically, Marte has the polished talent necessary for the job and substantial closing experience to boot. He’s also a veteran who knows what he’s doing out there.