WHIV 2060.3- Checking the Locks: Relief Pitchers

[recte44]

Sure Fire Locks (2):
Todd Stone, RHP- Sure, he blew a bunch of games last year. He's still Todd Stone, though. Don't forget it.

Tulon Koruturk, RHP- It'll be interesting to see if Koruturk starts taking more high-leverage and even save opportunities as the year wears on, that in the past would have been Stone-time.

Near Locks (4):
Tony Hollar, RHP- Seems very likely that the Hustlers will use him as a reliever, not a starter. Also seems very likely that he'll be a Hustler while doing so, not a minor leaguer.

Reese Newsome, LHP- See Starting Pitchers. He's going to be in the bullpen barring something crazy.

Either Carlos Berrera, RHP -OR- Gamal bin Badr, RHP- Whichever is not in the rotation, barring injuries, will be in the pen.

Perry Wallace, LHP- The Hustlers wouldn't have given him a $1,485,400 contract for this year if they didn't plan on him being in their bullpen, and possibly doing some opener work again.

Trying To Break In (6):
Faqih bin Nasser, RHP- Now 26 years old and in his last option year. The Hustlers will have to decide pretty soon if he's a part of the plans moving forward or not.

Eric Buckson, RHP- Why not a near lock? That big old salary is one reason. The other is that there have been signs of aging for the 34 year old righty.

Mike Emrick, LHP- Showed promise last year and was a surprise call-up. He has a future as a lefty reliever. Probably not on Opening Day for the Hustlers, though.

Manuel Garcia, RHP- Like Buckson, a bit of a surprise on this list. Pitched generally ok for the Hustlers last season. That gopher ball, though.

Randy Walker, RHP- ALMOST got a callup multiple times last year. Seems like the Hustlers should be higher on him than they actually are.

Kazuma Yoshida, LHP- He's now out of options, so the Hustlers will have to either find a spot for him or work a trade.

Breaking In The Back Door (0):
None (all classified as SP)

[BaseClogger]

Pretty surprised you gave Wallace that guaranteed contract. I can’t see it working out.

[recte44]

The stuff blinds me to all of his other weaknesses.

[Jwalk100]

Hollar is gonna be good.

[recte44]

Hollar is gonna be good.

He has a ready made entrance song...