WHIV 2045.7- Checking The Locks: Relief Pitchers

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WHIV 2045.7- Checking The Locks: Relief Pitchers

Sure Fire Locks (1):
Jorge Fuentes (R)

Once Huber was traded, the bullpen became a complete free for all. There is just one sure fire lock this year, and that's Fuentes. Oddly enough, he was once waived and lost by the Hustlers, then re-claimed, and this offseason Vegas converted him to a full time reliever. He's got big time stuff and he's out of options, therefore he's a sure fire lock.

Near Locks (4):
Miguel Abline (R)
Johnny Hale (R)
Chin Kim (L)
Horst Duineveld (R)

So who are the "near" locks? There's four. Abline has been the most reliable, if unspectacular, bullpen arm in the middle innings for the Hustlers. He might be in line for a bigger role this year. Hale is on this list because he's out of options. This gives him either a roster spot or he'll be traded. He's too good to be waived. The Hustlers acquired Kim from Nashville and they may have made a big mistake. GM Matt Rectenwald admitted he didn't realize Nashville signed him to a new extension. Kim's days as a starting pitcher are likely over, so Vegas can only hope he can give some decent relief innings. Then there's Duineveld, a hard throwing righty with control problems but elite movement. Word out of camp is that he's got the inside track at the closer role, if they go that route, or a stopper role along with Fuentes if they decide to go that way.

Trying To Break In (9):
Fernando Bruno (R)
Alex Corona (R)
Wayne Dorsey (R)
Antonio Gonzalez (R)
Mike Jayne (R)
Rich Martinez (L)
Martin Ross (R)
Jeff Skinner (R)
Dominic Thompson (R)

That leaves 2-3 spots up for grabs this spring. It's possible (though not probable) that Ruiz and/or Cyr could snag one of these spots. As for the others that are on the 40 man roster, let's review them in the order of likeliness to make the roster. First is the youngster Jayne, who had a rough time of it in his two BBA stints last year as a starter. His future is in the bullpen. The same goes for Dorsey, who is poised to make the leap to the big leagues after an outstanding year in AAA last year. Next is probably Gonzalez, who has had success as a starter but figures to be best as a reliever. Martinez has a leg up on a spot because he throws left-handed. Corona made it to Vegas last year and threw some decent innings. Skinner is a soft-tosser who just gets outs. Ross, acquired from Twin Cities, could be brought to the bigs in a multi-inning role, or he could be sent down to the minors to get some more experience. Thompson has a bright future, but he's not ready yet. Bruno is a control specialist who is probably down at the bottom of the list. He also has experience in the outfield.

Breaking In The Back Door (2)
Sean Gardner (R)
Niall Hanlon (R)

Gardner was in the Hustlers rotation for big parts of the last two seasons, but went through waivers without being claimed. He won't accept assignment to the minors so it's the big leagues or bust for him in Vegas. Hanlon was an interesting minor league free agent signing was a fixture in the Valencia Stars rotation for the better part of eight seasons before exploring free agency. Over the past two years he's thrown 56 below average innings for Omaha and Louisville. He's got great stuff but the longball is his kryptonite.