Assessment and Outlook – The Bullpen
A Look Back and a Glance Ahead
by Caitlen Sullivan
Vancouver Sun Sports Reporter
October 8, 2035
This is the last in a series assessing and looking forward on the Mounties’ roster.
The bullpen was a bright spot in 2035. Let’s look at the incumbents and candidates.
- Rodrigo Lugo is the closer. He had an acceptable but not domineering year. The Mounties would like to see his ERA go down half a point. And they would like to see less drama in his save attempts.
- Ricardo Arellano was excellent in setup work (2.66 ERA). He quietly signed a three year deal for $900K a year, thus totally avoiding arbitration.
- Former closer Ray Perkins is generally reliable but his estimated seven figure arbitration value is well above the actual value for a player of his caliber. Look for the Mounties to deny him arbitration – free agency awaits.
- Dermot Halford was strictly a starter in 2035, but he may find himself in the pen in 2036.
- Troy Downey will reportedly drop two of pitches and concentrate on his fastball and curve. His velocity should improve, and, with two elite pitches, he could become a dominant set-up guy.
- Bert Hugill was much better in relief last year and we expect him to be used strictly from the pen in 2036.
- Vernier Piel, a rule five draftee, missed almost the entire season due to injury. His future is unclear but it will most likely start at Victoria (AAA).