ANAHEIM, Calif. – When Brian Cashman gained control of the entire Yankees organization following the 2005 season, he understood it was important that he listen to those he trusted in evaluating talent.
And though Cashman won’t say he has turned the bullpen from a weakness to strength, his listening ability has done just that.
“Over a period of time there were people who saw what we had at [Triple-A] Scranton and told me it was better than what we had in the big leagues,” Cashman said. “[Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pitching coach] Dave Eiland said it was better than what we had in the big leagues. I sent [head of pro scouting] Billy Eppler and [scouts] Gene Michael and Gordon Blakeley there and they gave me the same feedback.”
Their suggestions that not only was Joba Chamberlain ready for big-league relief work but also Edwar Ramirez could help, as could Jim Brewer and eventually Sean Henn and Ross Ohlendorf, forced Cashman into two decisions: He jettisoned Scott Proctor, Mike Myers and Brian Bruney, and he stayed away from the trade market at the July 31 deadline.
So far, those plans have paid off.
Chamberlain, 21, is the toast of The Bronx, having worked seven innings in five games, fanning 11, not giving up a run and allowing two hits. In two games since being recalled from SWB, Ramirez has worked 41/3 scoreless innings, fanned six and posted his first big league save Sunday with two perfect frames.
“There is a lot of talent, it was just a matter of them getting the opportunity,” Cashman said. “If you trust the people who work for you, you are willing to try things. All I had to hear was that the people were better down there than we had up here.”
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It didn’t take long for Jose Molina to change his view of the Yankees players.
“It looked like they were pulling for themselves,” the former Angels catcher said. “I got here and I ate my words. It’s the opposite. It changed the way I think about everybody.”
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Golfer Fred Couples was in the Yankees’ clubhouse and dugout last night chatting with Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens and Joe Torre. . . . Torre said he is toying with giving Alex Rodriguez some sort of rest soon. “I am going to give him one day this week,” said Torre, who didn’t say if he would put Rodriguez at designated hitter or sit him. “He has been dragging a bit.”