The Beheading Of The Three Headed Monster
Ever since word got out that general manager Brian Cashman acquired closer Aroldis Chapman off the clearance rack, the bullpen earned the nickname “the three headed monster.”
It was going to be historically epic. In 2015, the trio of Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Dellin Betances combined for a 1.70 ERA with 347 strikeouts in 212 2/3 innings in 2015 and made up the top three in strikeouts among relievers.
No team in history has ever had three relief pitchers with 100+ strikeouts in the same season, there was a legitimate chance these Yankees could reach that mark since this trio has posted 100 Ks apiece in each of the past two years.
Did I convince you that this threesome is really good yet? Alright, perfect!
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The hype train slowed down when Chapman was suspended by major league baseball for his involvement in a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend. He is expected to return to the Yankees on May 9th, and given last year’s April success by Miller and Betances (0.00 ERA), the Bombers would have been OK.
However, yesterday, the hype train completely derailed after the chip fracture in Miller’s non-throwing hand was discovered.
That leaves the closer responsibilities with Betances, who could get the job done, but not as easy as the “three headed monster” could.
This is not the start the 2016 New York Yankees wanted to get off to, but they have to figure out a way to survive until the two injured members of the beast, that is the Yankee ‘pen, return from injury.
