A new Bruney? It could be
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- February
- 23
Few would have been surprised had the Yankees non-tendered Brian Bruney in December.
Opponents were .271/.378/.508 against Bruney in the second half of last season, leading to an ERA of 9.60. He was demoted to Triple-A, came back, then was left off the playoff roster.
Bruney’s power arm appealed to the Yankees but his attitude did not. He was out of condition and resistant to advice. Coaches told him to take a little off his fastball to try and improve his control and he kept throwing as hard as he could.
But the Yankees kept him, spending $725,000 on a one-year deal.
Bruney, who turned 26 last week, could prove to a bargain if the first two weeks of spring training are any indication. He reported to camp early and is at least 20 pounds lighter than he was last season.
More importantly, his attitude seems to have changed. Once sort of sullen, Bruney has opened himself up to teammates. I spoke him with today for a feature story I was working on and he was downright engaging. Coaches have said he’s the same way with them.
“Bruney is trying to become Asian,” said Kei Igawa, who has the locker next to Bruney. “He’s going to visit Japan. He’s a funny guy.”
Two weeks does not a career change make. How Bruney looks against hitters will determine whether he makes the team. But the bullpen is the land of opportunity for the Yankees. Outside of Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins, every job is open.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 am by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
If Bruney has truly changed, he could be a valuable piece of the bullpen.
It will of course be huge if the holy trinity of Phil, IPK and Joba pan out as we all hope they do, but the big difference could be whether Bruney, Krazy Kyle and Igawa surprise us all.
Agreed with Bruney saw an interview he di this week on yesnetwork.com (the interviewer was horrible) but is showed that he has a ew attitude this year as well as I think he is very happy that Torre is not around albeit his issues of last year should not be blamed on Torre.
bruney will always suck.
Rebecca’s been lusting for a Bruney update. I’m sure she’ll be gratified to read yours.
In becoming an Agent, does Bruney mean he’s planning to be pitching in Japan by next season?
Still though, I hope he does well
I know Bruney’s mom. She told me a couple of months ago that her son was very unhappy with the Yankees last year, and hoped they DID non-tender him. When they didn’t, I have a feeling his mom told him to make the best of the current situation, there was nothing he could do to change it. He’s still young enough to take advice from his mom….
I reserve decision on this guy. People who get religion suddenly often lost it just as fast.
I’m glad guys are showing up a bit healthier. Moose lost weight, Joba’s lost weight, and now Bruney. It’s good to see.
If nothing else, all these guys showing up in better shape should prevent injuries. We could really use Bruney and Farnsworth to have a big year.
With a real bullpen, this team can win 100 games this year. Heck, it won 94 last year without a bullpen….
All fingers crossed; go Bruney.
People are a never ending source of amazement. Bruney apparently has the physical tools to have a successful career as a ML ballplayer and if nothing else make millions of dollars. Yet he apparently has, until now, refused to get out of his own way. I certainly hope he’s found a cure for ass-hat disease.
Well said Dee (and others).
As a fan, it’s fun to see a few question marks/job opportunities on the roster — and it’s much, much nicer if we see folks stepping up to compete for them.
Any of them — Bruney, Farnsworth, Igawa, Betemit, Ensberg, Duncan, even Giambi — could make a difference if they pleasantly surprise us. It’s fun to watch!
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