Yankees Daily

Here was the scene last night. It was the bottom of the seventh inning, the New York Yankees had a 6-4 lead over the Los Angeles Angels.

A.J. Burnett allows the first two batters on base. Demaso Marte comes in the game and allows one of Burnett’s runners to score. Phil Hughes came in the game and allowed two more runs. The Yankees were then losing 7-6 which would be the final score.

Why not have Mariano Rivera pitch the seventh and eighth inning and then go to Robertson or Hughes with no men on base in the ninth inning?

At that point in the game, it was first and second with no outs, bottom of the seventh with a two run lead. This is when your best pitcher, Mariano is needed most. That might of been the best spot to use Mariano so he could put the fire out.

That situation is higher leverage than bottom of the 9th with nobody on and nobody out. You have to preserve the lead and then maybe take your chances with your other other relievers later. It was the turning point of the game.

Managers nowadays use their closers as ninth inning specialists when maybe they should be used in late innings situations to save a game that is on the verge of being lost. Closers should be used in high leverage situations, not to preserve a 3 run lead in the ninth inning with no men on base.

Did it make sense to leave Mariano out in that situation? He’s the best pitcher in the bull pen. He’s one of the best pitchers of all time. You have to use your best pitcher in that spot. Even if he had to pitch three innings. You have to do what you have to do to win.

Mariano would of had days to rest before the World Series.

Tags: Mariano Rivera, new york yankees, use mariano rivera in high leverage situations?, yankeesdaily

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