Houston, the Yankee bullpen has a problem

I wasn’t worried about the bullpen heading into the year because I believed they had the best setup man and closer combination in the game. For most of April and early May I believe I was right.

However, in the past four games the Yankees bullpen has an ERA of 11.60 in 12 1/3 innings. That figure isn’t inflated either. All four starters have gone at least five innings. The team managed one win in this stretch, and that’s only because Jonathan Papelbon broke down.

Problems in the back end:
For a stretch of 13 2/3 innings Joba Chamberlain only allowed runs in one game, which resulted in a loss to the Angels. Still, in that span he collected five holds, two saves and a win. In the past two games he’s allowed six runs on six hits. Something is troubling him.

For a stretch of 11 innings Mariano Rivera didn’t allow a run, collecting seven saves in the process. In his past two appearances, he’s allowed four runs (two earned) and picked up his first blown save and a loss of the year. What’s wrong with him?

Boone the buffoon:
Boone Logan has allowed earned runs in four of his last five appearances. Damaso Marte has done well in May as the only other lefty in the pen, but Logan still has a spot on the roster somehow. I have no idea what Dave Eiland and Joe Girardi see in him.

International friends from the south:
Ivan Nova of the Dominican and Romulo Sanchez of Venezuela have a combined 6 2/3 innings in three appearances with the Yankees. They haven’t allowed a single run, and only six men have reached base. And for some reason … neither are on the active roster.

Hmmmmmmmm.