Report: Joba in the Bullpen

[Noggy]

I saw this coming and it makes a lot of sense when you consider who the Yankees have in the minors. They have three potential impact relievers coming off injuries that probably won't see the majors before July. Having Joba start the season in the bullpen gives them a solid 1-2 punch and buys enough time for the kids to get healthy and for the team to see what they have in guys like Veras, Farnsworth, Hawkins, Edwar etc.

I don't believe the Yankees see Joba as a closer, I think they're doing this (as opposed to having him start the season in the rotation and then shift to the bullpen) because the team's starting pitching depth should be at it's deepest early in the season while the bullpen should be at it's deepest at the end of the season.

[Yoda]

Glad to see that they won't give him the "Dusty treatment."

[blankman]

I saw this coming and it makes a lot of sense when you consider who the Yankees have in the minors. They have three potential impact relievers coming off injuries that probably won't see the majors before July. Having Joba start the season in the bullpen gives them a solid 1-2 punch and buys enough time for the kids to get healthy and for the team to see what they have in guys like Veras, Farnsworth, Hawkins, Edwar etc.

I don't believe the Yankees see Joba as a closer, I think they're doing this (as opposed to having him start the season in the rotation and then shift to the bullpen) because the team's starting pitching depth should be at it's deepest early in the season while the bullpen should be at it's deepest at the end of the season.

Very good points. Sanchez and Melancon could be back midseason or later. I'm not sure who the third guy you're referencing is.

[KCollins1304]

I saw this coming and it makes a lot of sense when you consider who the Yankees have in the minors. They have three potential impact relievers coming off injuries that probably won't see the majors before July. Having Joba start the season in the bullpen gives them a solid 1-2 punch and buys enough time for the kids to get healthy and for the team to see what they have in guys like Veras, Farnsworth, Hawkins, Edwar etc.

I don't believe the Yankees see Joba as a closer, I think they're doing this (as opposed to having him start the season in the rotation and then shift to the bullpen) because the team's starting pitching depth should be at it's deepest early in the season while the bullpen should be at it's deepest at the end of the season.

Very good points. Sanchez and Melancon could be back midseason or later. I'm not sure who the third guy you're referencing is.

Cox maybe?

[Noggy]

Yeah, the third guy I was talking about was JB Cox.