I am going to examine the predictions I made in the Yankee preview, to see if the first half of the season seems to mirror the expected path I envisioned for the team. I am using the All-Star break as the dividing line, though it does not actually fall on the mid-point of the season.
The Bullpen
Mariano Rivera: Prediction 3-2, 40 Saves, 1.98 ERA
After 91 Games- 4-3, 23 saves, 1.06 ERA
Joba Chamberlain: With the young arms in the starting rotation, Joba began the season as he ended last season, as an untouchable set-up man. Obviously things have changed, and Chamberlain is now a valuable member of the starting rotation. I thought he would be groomed as the successor to Rivera, but Mo seems just fine in his closer role, and Chamberlain is looking like a stud-in-the-making.
After 91 Games: 2-2, 2.45 ERA, now a starter
Kyle Farnsworth: Farnsworth is the type of pitcher who will give Yankee fans fits. His ERA was at 4.50 in May, 3.38 in June, and is at 0.00 through 5 games in July. He currently is running a string of 7 straight scoreless appearances, but shots like yesterday’s Carlos Pena ball to the warning track in a tie game remind us why we worry about Kyle. When he is on, he looks like the guy who can capably get the ball to Rivera. Right now, he is on. The ghost of blown games past still lingers, but we will choose to accentuate the positive.
After 91 games: 1-2, 3.60 ERA, 1.35 WHIP
Latroy Hawkins: is a mop-up man. His ERA is all over the place, and continues to hover near 6.0. He should see zero meaningful time unless he shows a miraculous turnaround. The best thing he has done all year is give up the number 21.
After 91 games: 1-1, 5.94 ERA, 1.54 WHIP
Brian Bruney: A freak foot injury derailed what was a promising beginning of the season for Bruney. He looked to be a 7th or 8th inning candidate, and is working his way back into form in Double A ball. We will say the jusy is out on him for now.
Billy Traber: The lefty specialist for the Yankees appears only sparingly, and has not played the big role he seemed to be poised for coming out of spring training. He has only allowed 6 earned runs in 15 appearances, but since he only appears for typicall one out at a time his ERA has ballooned. He was sent down to Scranton when Shelley Duncan was called up, and didn’t return until Wang got injured late in June. hard to seeing him being much more than a situational lefty-lefty matchup moving forward.
After 91 Games: 0-0, 5.06 ERA, 1.6 WHIP
Ross Ohlendorf: Has had a variety of work, from long-relief, to mop-up, to bridge work. His ERA is bloated, due most recently to his 6 run blow-up in the Mets 15-6 rout of the Yankees. He is only 25, and in just his second season in the bigs. However, he is facing a stiff challenge from the up and comers who are getting the job done recently.
After 91 Games- 1-1, 6.53 ERA, 1.7 WHIP
and now, those who didn’t make the preview:
Edwar Ramirez: What can you say? He allowed 0 earned runs during his first 13 appearances. His ERA is currently 2.81, on a steady 6 game decline, having not allowed a run in his last 5 appearances. Edwar has forced his way into the rotation with steady, consistent pitching.
After 91 games: 2-0, 2.81 ERA, 1.063 WHIP
Jose Veras: What can you say? He has allowed just one run in his last 16 appearances, including his last 8 straight. His ERA is on a steady 9 game decline. along with Ramirez, he is now nearly indispensible.
After 91 Games: 2-0, 2.45 ERA, 1.125 WHIP
Chris Britton, David Robertson, Dan Giese, and Jonathan Albaladejo do not have enough meaningful appearances to render an opinion yet.
