Can Mariano Go Two Innings?
As we got to the outs counting stage of last night's game I started to wonder how Joe Girardi would use the bullpen. After AJ gave up the homer to make it 2-1 I figured he would have a very short leash if he got into trouble in the 5th and probably would give way to a combo of Logan or Wade (depending on the batter) with Soriano, Robertson and Rivera pitching the 6th-9th. The Yankees made it all academic, but I wonder, could Mariano get 6 outs if they needed him to?
In 2011, Mariano pitched more than an inning only three times and only once was it for six outs. His highest pitch total was 33 and he only threw 20 or more pitches in a game 10 times. You can see a pattern in the way Girardi has used Mariano since he became manager in the number of multiple inning games he has thrown:
2008- 15
2009- 10
2010- 5
2011- 3
You can't fault Girardi. He knows he has to ease back on Mariano because as great as he is, he is also 41. But in the playoffs, all bets are off. Even so, I don't think we would see Girardi use Mo for six outs unless he had burned out his primary bullpen. Four outs maybe, but I have a feeling the days of Mo for the 8th and 9th are over.
Comments
Great minds, Peter. Was thinking the same. Nova has been exceptional but there is no doubt that he fades after 75 pitches. In a deciding game scenario, you probably have a list in mind. I'd think Rivera could come in earlier and the combination of he & Robertson could be asked to get 9 outs instead of 6 for sure. That said the entire bullpen has performed well(aside from Ayala who has been 'off' lately) having thrown 9innings and allowed 1ER (Young HR) with 13K's & 3 hits & 1bb allowed [sans Ayala]. I'd expect everyone to be on the ready (including Sabathia if it goes to 'extras') and Girardi to be very aggressive. In addition, aside from Soriano who has been used for 3innings over the last two games, the pen (with a day off) should be very well rested. Knock on wood but we should feel good about the 6th through 9th.
Posted by: tim | October 5, 2011 11:32 PM |
Tim
Pure guess, but I figure it breaks down along these lines-
If the roof caves in on Nova, Garcia comes in.
CC will come in and pitch an inning if they are really in trouble, otherwise he is going to be saved for the ALCS.
Assuming Nova goes 4, I think we see Logan and Wade get through one inning with Hughes coming in for another. That sets up the troika of Soriano, Robertson and Rivera for the final 3.
Like you said, we should feel good about the 6th through 9th. Let's just home 1-5 goes well!
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October 5, 2011 11:58 PM
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predictions?
Yankees 5-1
Posted by: blmeanie | October 6, 2011 08:58 AM |