Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees remain heavily engaged with reliever Adam Ottavino despite the Zach Britton deal.
Brian Cashman isn’t messing around. Zach Britton’s returning presence means nothing as it pertains to further strengthening the New York Yankees bullpen.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Bombers remain heavily interested and engaged in MLB free agent Adam Ottavino. This, despite the recent deal that brought back the burly lefty.
As of now, Yankees more engaged on Adam Ottavino than Manny Machado. Machado sweepstakes still moving at glacial pace as far as this lil ol reporter can tell. Pen market is moving and Ottavino could sign soon
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) January 6, 2019
“As of now, Yankees more engaged on Adam Ottavino than Manny Machado. Machado sweepstakes still moving at a glacial pace as far as this lil ol reporter can tell. Pen market is moving and Ottavino could sign soon.”
The other piece Martino brings to the table is the one fans care most about. The Manny Machado progress is moving along slower than the time it takes David Price to deliver his next pitch.
Ottavino, 33, is a New York, New York native. Attending Berkeley Carrol High School in Brooklyn, his right arm has represented a solid, workmanlike feel for many years.
A year ago, he finished 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA and sparkling 0.993 WHIP in 75 appearances. Moreover, Ottavino fanned an incredible 112 batters in 77.2 innings pitched. This was, by far, his career high (topping his previous high of 81 strikeouts back in 2012).
In eight seasons with the Colorado Rockies (and five appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010), Ottavino sports a line consisting of a 3.68 ERA, 1.300 WHIP, and 464 strikeouts in 413 innings pitched.
In terms of Machado, who knows? He and his camp are seemingly taking their sweet time to make a decision. With the oft-injured Troy Tulowitzki in the fold, New York has already laid out a contingency plan should Machado choose another city or the Yankees actually move on.
At the very least, this New York Yankees bullpen is receiving the care and attention it deserves.
