Trail Droppings 2042-22 Pioneers Bullpen Imploded

[indiansfan]

Pioneers Bullpen Imploded

When your team blows 27 saves and is 16-28 in one run games, your bullpen is going to come under scrutiny. The Pioneers bullpen imploded this year and the blame can be spread around to almost every one of its members. Closer Joel Ottoboni went from winning the Egan to blowing 10 saves. What was viewed as one of the team’s strengths ended up being the team’s Achilles heal.

“You can’t blame Joel for all of it, the pen stunk so bad we couldn’t even sell tickets for the seats near it,” GM Kevin Dickson said. “And while we are on the topic, who the hell gave Ottoboni a 1st place vote in the Egan this year? Sure as hell wasn’t me! I didn’t vote for any of them.”

Ottoboni did manage 35 saves, but with 3-11 record, 10 BS and a 4.71 ERA. Other bullpen vets contributed to the mess, like Vaclav Vroonland 3-5, 5.52 ERA with 1 save and 3 blown saves. Yoshitoshi Ota, likely in his last season in Calgary, went 5-4-2, 4.89 ERA and 4 blown saves. Claude Michaud had a 6.17 ERA, etc.

Rumors that pitching coach Steve Thomas’ job is on the line only increased when Dickson didn’t offer any support during an end of season interview. Thomas has spent his whole career, both as a player and coach, with the Calgary organization so dumping him would be a big move. There is also a chance he could be moved elsewhere in the organization if a change is made.

The bright spot in the bullpen was Carlos Granados. Originally viewed as a starter, Granados settled in a the most reliable reliever in the pen and was the only reliever to pitch over 100 innings. His 4-4-4, 3.25 ERA and 1.07 WHIP led all Calgary relievers. Fernando Rangel and Manuel Garza, both in their first full years in Calgary, also had decent seasons.