Yankees: Looking for the Future

Mike Myers was designated for assignment today, as most of you know. Although he was a PA rep, a nice guy, and did take one for the team while pitching in blowouts, his job as a lefty specialist didn’t cut it. He allowed lefties to bat at the tune of .312 with 8 XBH. However, righty Jim Brower was called up, instead of Joba the Hutt or even Edwar Ramirez. Yes, he was the SWB closer, but please, the guy is a 34-year-old journeyman, with a career ERA in line with Krazy Kile’s. And, although Edwar was roughed-up in his last outing with the big club, he should have been promoted. However, it may be more than the naked eye.

As first analyzed by River Ave. Blues, the Yankees may have traded Scott Proctor to save his arm from fatigue and possible surgery, since he had great, live stuff and Joe Torre was overworking him. The Yankees may be trying to protect their live and precious arms of the future by bringing up Brower to see how Torre uses him. Joba will be called up inevitably because the Yankee needs him in and Farnsworth out, but maybe Brian Cashman is trying to see if Torre can discipline his use of trusty relievers (Steve Karsay, Tanyon Sturtze, and Paul Quantrill ruined their careers after their time with the Yankees) and use Brower.

On the other hand, it may be that Torre won’t use a live, young, and useful arm very often in the first place, because he wants veteran arms (Brower) and trusts them more. Exihibit A: Edwar Ramirez didn’t pitch in 2 weeks at one point.

You decide.