Bullpen Banter: Pirates Bettors Abandon Ship
By Lee Kostroski
Struggling
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates bullpen actually had a solid start to the season. However, that encouraging start has turned sour. The bullpen flop coincides directly with the Bucs 1-7 run after a solid 11-7 start. The relievers have tallied three losses in those eight games, allowing a whopping 20 earned runs in just 21.1 innings.
While the Pirate’s overall pitching numbers look solid, there are some hidden concerns in the bullpen. The staff as a whole has an ERA of 3.78 which is fifth in the majors. The starters have been much more efficient that most expected with 16 quality starts which is the second highest number in baseball.
However, Pittsburgh is just 1-5 in games decided by relievers. The bullpen has also given up an abundance of walks with 47 to only 57 strikeouts. That needs to improve drastically for this team to succeed long term.
Making matters worse, closer Matt Capps has experienced elbow pain and had an MRI Tuesday. It revealed no structural damage, however, Capps is likely out for the next few games. He has been following the lead of his mates in the bullpen, allowing seven earned runs in his last three appearances which resulted in two losses and one blown save.
Unfortunately for Pirates fans, other late-inning options in the pen are struggling. Veteran left hander John Grabow didn’t allow a run in his first nine appearances. Now, He has been scored on in three of his last four outings.
Jessie Chavez, who allowed only one run in his first eight showings, has given up runs in two of his last three trips to the mound. Tyler Yates hasn’t fared any better, allowing as many runs (9) as innings pitched.
Pittsburgh is relying on a young starting staff that has over-performed early in the season. If that changes, it would only put a heavier strain on a struggling bullpen which could mean big problems in the Steel City.
Thriving
Cincinnati Reds
Can you name the only team in 2009 that has yet to blow a save situation?
That’s a loaded question, obviously, as the answer is the Cincinnati Reds. That’s mainly in part to their All-Star closer Francisco Cordero, who is a perfect 7-for-7 on save opportunities this year. Those solid numbers don’t appear to be going away anytime soon as Cordero has historically been among the best in baseball. His last two seasons alone have resulted in 77 saves and only 13 blown opportunities.
Cordero has received a ton of support from his counterparts in the bullpen. The overall bullpen ERA is 3.93, which is a bit above average but doesn’t tell the whole story. That number is drastically inflated due to some early-season woes. The pen allowed 12 earned runs in the first four games alone.
Since then they have settled down and performed admirably. This pitching staff as a whole already has six shutouts on the season including four last week. In the last six games, Red relievers have allowed only two earned runs in 12.2 innings. Also, this group is relatively fresh as the starters have gone deep into games.
There are several proven veterans in the Cincinnati bullpen which bodes well for an extended run. David Weathers has been one of the better setup men in baseball and he has continued that success in 2009. He has made nine appearances this season, allowing just three hits and no runs.
Lefty Arthur Rhodes has been a great pick up after splitting time between Seattle and Florida a year ago. He has yet to allow an earned run in 11 appearances. Last year, he allowed just eight earned runs in 35.1 innings.
The upcoming schedule (14 of their next 20 games are at home) gives the Reds an opportunity to get on a nice roll. If their bullpen continues to shine, it could turn into a much bigger run than some might expect.
Other bullpen snipits
Los Angeles Angels – While the Angel relievers continue to get ripped on a daily basis, there seems to be a light at the end of the dark tunnel. His name is Jose Arredondo. He already has 18 strikeouts and only three walks on the season. Last year Arredondo was 10-2 with 16 holds and an ERA of just 1.62. If Brian Fuentes continues to struggle in the closer’s role, watch for Arredondo to take over.
Milwaukee Brewers – One of the overlooked acquisitions in the offseason was Milwaukee signing Trevor Hoffman. The Brewers took a chance on the aging closer and so far it has paid off. Since coming off the DL, is 4-for-4 in save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in five appearances.