WHIV 2044.8- Checking The Locks, Relief Pitchers (7-8)

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.7- Checking The Locks, Relief Pitchers (7-8)

Sure Fire Locks (3):
Raul Gonzales (L)
Shawn Huber (L)
Manuel Orozco (R)

The "Bullpen Rule of Three" Theory lives on. After the late Preseason signing of Orozco to a ridiculously team friendly deal, Vegas has their third reliever to add to the legendary Huber and the emergent Gonzales.

Near Locks (2):
Jimmy Greenwood (R)
***Sean Gardner (R) (assuming he doesn't win a rotation spot)

Greenwood was extended so he's very likely to be in the pen, reprising his successful setup role of last season. Gardner is almost assured of breaking camp with the Hustlers in some role, which at this point looks like it will be out of the bullpen.

Trying To Break In (6):
Miguel Abline (R)
Rich Martinez (L)
Elias Gregory (R)
Oliver Perez (R)
Kellen Scherer (L)
***Jorge Fuentes (R) (assuming he doesn't win a rotation spot)

Now it gets interesting. There's six players here and eight more NRI's battling for two or three spots. Scherer has one foot in the door with a guaranteed contract and no minor league options. Fuentes is also out of options and is too promising to waive, so there's two spots. This leaves Abline, Martinez, Perez and Gregory essentially fighting for one roster spot. With Gregory coming off a lost season due to injury it's likely he begins in the minors. Abline and Perez both pitched well last season, and Martinez showed signs of being an effective lefty.

Breaking In The Back Door (8):
Juan Castro (L)
Wayne Dorsey (R)
Jeff Skinner (R)
Fernando Bruno (R)
Michael Baker (R)
George Hendrickson (R)
Jesus Rodriguez (R)
Djakapura Yani (R)

Skinner has the best chance of this group to have an impact early this year. He's a decent looking middle relief prospect. The rest of the group are mainly guys getting their first look, with the exception of Castro who made his big league debut last season and then was outrighted off the 40 man roster. Yani is a late addition, having signed a minor league FA contract just before camp opened.