Dellin deaf to rumors
Dellin Betances has 28,000 Twitter disciples, so it’s impossible to shut out the talk of the Yankees possibly trading closer Andrew Miller as they attempt to upgrade a very shaky rotation.
“I see some of the stuff on Twitter, but I don’t pay attention to rumors,’’ Betances told The Post on Tuesday on East Tremont Avenue, where he and general manager Brian Cashman helped the Cesar Presbott Foundation distribute turkeys to Bronx residents. “Andrew did a great job for us. I’m looking forward to spring training.’’
If the Yankees move Miller, who has three years and $27 million left after converting 36 of 38 saves in his initial stab at closing, Betances would be elevated from setup man to closer, something he did when Miller went on the disabled list in June. Betances posted five saves in six chances.
“For me, Andrew did a hell of a job,’’ Betances answered when asked if he could close. “In the time he went down, I learned a lot if it ever arises. At the same time I am looking forward to having Andrew, [Justin] Wilson, [Chasen] Shreve and looking forward to an exciting year.’’
Some believe moving Miller and breaking up the lategame tandem of Betances and Miller is foolish. Others think if the Yankees can land a frontend starter and another piece for Miller, they should do it.
Others wonder whether Betances’ workload the past two seasons, when the New York City product led AL relievers in pitches thrown, could take a toll. He threw 1,370 pitches this past year and 1,365 in 2014.
While Cashman will listen to other clubs about Miller and Brett Gardner and some of the prospects, he won’t delve into the whatif game about Betances being capable of taking over for Miller.
“We have a closer right now,’’ Cashman told The Post. “It’s nice to be secure.’’
Cashman continues to hold steady to the fact that he has valuable players other clubs want and hasn’t lowered the asking price.
“I value our players. It’s not easily available to get some of our guys,’’ Cashman said.
The Mets signed righthander Stolmy Pimentel to a minor league contract Tuesday with an invitation to spring training.
Pimentel, 25, made eight relief appearances for the Rangers in 2015 and was 01 with a 3.97 ERA before being assigned to TripleA Round Rock of the Pacific Coast League for the remainder of the season.