Yanks take the Cake
Clearly the Yankees have the best bullpen of the remaining playoff teams. They have the lowest overall team ERA (1.96) and Mariano Rivera. Yet probably the most under-estimated strength is depth. Currently the back-end of the Yanks pen consists of three pitchers that would start for the majority of teams in the majors, Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves and Joba Chamberlain. If anything, the off-season free agent acquisitions of big ticket starters allowed for the creation of this depth.
Depth Issues
Anything can happen (and anyone can falter) when it comes to a bullpen. Ask the Twins Joe Nathan and Mr.Loveable over in Boston.
Bullpen depth will most likely become a priority for the the true contenders in the off-season. If one gun isn’t hiring, back it up with another. This should represent an opportunity for free agents and mid-tier clubs with excess bullpen depth (ie Toronto).
