2065.12: Rummaging Bears - Relief Pitchers

[BaseClogger]

3/18/2065


I usually write this series for each position group every spring, but on the position player side I'm going with the exact same roster as 2064 + Katsunan Hashimoto. And the rotation is set as outlined in this team news post. So I'm just going to do the bullpen article this year.

How well are our spring campers' picnic baskets secured?

Sure-Fire Locks
CL Mario Santos, RP Ben Weaver, RP Dhrtatman Seshadri, RP Edgar Chavez, RP Steve Fuller

Santos was brought in from Boise to serve as San Fernando's scary new closer. Weaver threw 98.1 innings as our primary setup man last year and he'll have the same role in 2065, albeit with a goal to cut back those innings a bit. Seshadri is the lefty we trust the most and our days of trying him in the rotation seem to have passed. Chavez had 33 saves and a 2.61 ERA last year but his FIP was less encouraging. There's a slight risk he gets waived if we want to be more aggressive with the group below. Fuller has been one of the most trusted members of the Bear bullpen for four years now but he took a step back in 2064 and recently turned 36 years old. We're keeping a close eye on him.

Near Locks
RP Augusto Gonzalez, RP Jose Diaz, RP Jeffery Workman, SP Peter Ramsey, SP Josh Sang

We gave up Jose Reyes to acquire Gonzalez as he was supposed to be our big arm of the future. After scuffling thru 2064, there's a chance we use another of his options although I'd really like to give him the opportunity to take off and harness all that stuff. Diaz only threw 22 (!) innings last year as a lefty specialist. He's out of options and I was terrified of letting him face a righty, but he improved as the season progressed and since has developed his slider further. Workman was hidden in AAA but got added to the active roster to protect him from the rule 5 draft--he probably makes the team since he can't be demoted. Ramsey and Sang were both offseason acquisitions who can start or relieve. With them each having options, I'm really tempted to have at least one starting in AAA. Ramsey has the advantage of being left-handed.

Trying to Break-In
RP Antonio Garcia

Garcia got a cup of coffee last September and possesses the ratings to play in the BBA. However, he might be a victim of having options left.

Breaking in the Back Door
RP Duane Bishop, RP Vassilis Zorba, RP Dana Munce, RP George Schroeder, RP Pablo Silva

Bishop has cleared waivers and been returned after getting drafted in the rule 5 which cements his status as org filler. Zorba and Munce are the most promising looking minor league free agents invited to spring camp. The long time Aztec starter, Zorba, has a better shot since he's a southpaw. Schroeder and Silva both get included here since they're on the 40-man roster but they're ticketed for AA.

[RonCo]

Unhappy to see Santos on this roster.

[Trebro]

It feels like finding a proper bullpen is a neverending task

[BTuck2112]

Vassilis Zorba

[BaseClogger]

Zorba is lumping and I doubt he gets a shot with us.

[BTuck2112]

He was our best pitcher along with Corfield at one point. But two consecutive season ending injuries put him out to pasture