Bullpenner Changing Boroughs

Dellin Betances was a mainstay of the Yankee bullpen from 2014-'18. At six foot eight, the native New Yorker with the blazing fastball was an intimidating presence on the mound. With a strikeout rate of 14.6 over nine innings (in layman's terms, three every two innings), he was an ideal 8th inning setup man. The four time All Star was one of Joe Girardi, and then Aaron Boone's most effective weapons.

Until 2019. A shoulder issue forced him to start the season on the disabled list. Then, it was a lat muscle problem. Finally, finally, he returned to the mound September 15th, two weeks before the ALDS. Having Betances healthy at this point was like trading for a star -- and giving up nothing. But the smiles and excitement lasted all of 2/3 of an inning. At the end of an effective first appearance, Betances made an awkward hop off the mound -- and partially tore an achilles.

Season over. Yankee career over.

After the signing of Gerrit Cole, Betances eight-figure salary appeared to be a luxury the team could do without. With Aroldis Chapman extended, Zack Britton back and Tommy Kahnle and Adam Ottavino setting them up, Betances -- especially after serious injuries -- was the question the Yanks didn't want to answer.

Betances didn't have to go far to find a new club. All it cost was the $6.12 EZpass toll to drive from the Bronx to Queens. The Mets, whose biggest problem was a leaky bullpen, were more than happy to throw big money -- but only a one-year guarantee -- at Betances. He'll join Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo and Jeurys Familia to, hopefully, give Carlos Beltran a little more confidence that his aces Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard won't have as many No Decisions in 2020.

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