I have never been a big fan of Brian Bruney's or Jose Veras' because they don't consistently throw strikes. And relief pitchers need to absolve themselves of free passes as much as possible. I remember when Todd Worrell was Whitey Herzog's closer in the 1980's for the St. Louis Cardinals. Worrell always said Whitey told him on the mound after he gave him the ball, "I don't care if you give up ten hits in a row. Just don't %@*&$% walk anybody!"

But Bruney has demonstrated a newer love of the strike zone this season, and he has excelled, but Veras has not found the same love. In fact, Veras never has loved the strike zone as his career BB/9 ratio of 5.1 suggests. Veras really has never been that good in the minors either.

Except for parts of last season, Veras has never been very good and needs to be DFA'd with Bruney's return. The Yankees are afraid of losing him because Veras is out of options and must clear waivers--but he won't clear them and the Yanks will lose him to another team.

So what?

Those fans who scream that Veras has GREAT STUFF, should remember that every major league pitcher has great stuff -- that is why they are major leaguers!

Get rid of Veras - the Yankees don't need him and have better (and younger) options at Triple A.

The Yankees should allow Mark Melancon to get innings in the majors. Besides the one game against the Red Sox  where he walked the bases loaded, he was pretty good for his first time in the majors.

Just like Phil Hughes who has dominated the Triple A level, Melancon needs to get his feet wet in the majors.

With the Yankees starters going a consistent 6.2 innings per game over their last eight, there is no need for extra relievers like Veras, but if the Yankee brass feels they do need 12 pitchers, then Melancon should get his shot over Veras.

The Yanks have done well with young position players like Ramiro Pena and Francisco Cervelli. They should allow more young pitchers to get their chance.