So it's come to this
As of right now, the Yankee bullpen is looking pretty thin. Joe Girardi has already stated that David Robertson, Shawn Kelley, and...Preston Claiborne are the only relievers who will definitely be there in 2014. They have plenty of internal options in Dellin Betances, Cesar Cabral, David Huff, Brett Marshall, Adam Warren, David Phelps, and Vidal Nuno, most of whom could be fine. However, when those are the only options, it might end up being a very underwhelming corps of relievers. Because of this, it makes sense for them to solidify the backend of the bullpen.
Right now on the market, Grant Balfour and Joaquin Benoit represent the best options on the board. Unfortunately, as the last week has shown, the Yankees have sat idly by as other teams make their moves. The Orioles currently have a three-year offer on the table for Balfour, and several other teams have been making offers to Benoit. The Indians have signed John Axford, which could leave the Yankees with Fernando Rodney.
Yes, as several tweeps point out, Rodney could emerge as option for #Yankees, too.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2013Oh God. Think about that. Try not to puke. Rodney has always had good stuff (8.68 K/9), but very little control (4.47 BB/9). He's just one season removed from perhaps the best season ever by a reliever, pitching to a 0.60 ERA and 2.13 FIP in 2012, which made absolutely no sense. Obviously, his 2013 wasn't as great; his control crapped out (4.86 BB/9), yet he was still good with a 3.38 ERA and 2.84 FIP. It's crazy to think that with his ground ball (50.2%) and home run (0.65 HR/9) rates, he would be a good fit for Yankee Stadium.
Still. It's Fernando Rodney. I dislike Fernando Rodney. You probably do too. If it wasn't for the last two seasons, he would probably be struggling to find a job in the majors. If the Yankees sign him and his control doesn't improve, he could be a real headache in New York. Can you imagine them actually signing him? Oh man. If you liked Rafael Soriano Untucking last year, you'll love Rodney's 80 tool tilted hat and shooting arrow dance. I'm not condoning them signing him, but can you imagine if that happened? And was made the closer? That would be the worst. Maybe.
