I know that the former closer is in the news, but I'd rather talk about the guy who has the job now.

Alfredo Aceves has eight saves; the entire team has 10. He's appeared in 17 games (tied with Scott Atchison, who has actually pitched more innings; we'll discuss him another day, because he's been great).

More importantly, Aceves has settled into the role. After an (understandable) quest to be a starter, he struggled at first but has been solid ever since. He doesn't overwhelm hitters, but he has struck out 20 batters (out of 78 faceed) and walked only eight.

I know, closers are overrated, but you just have to have one. The Yankees don't have one at the moment, and they're floundering. Everybody wants to have Goose Gossage, Mariano Rivera, or the Artist Now Known as Cinco coming in for the ninth, but Aceves has stepped up and is doing the job.

Jim Corrigan 5/18/2012 10:22:00 AM Tweet Edit « Prev Post Next Post »