2038-15: Talons Season Preview Series: Relievers

[jiminyhopkins]

The Phoenix bullpen spelled relief in a big way last season. Now, with decidedly less VODAK, can they maintain that success?

ML Relievers:

Alexandre Renard (9/8/6 Talents)
Nate Horswill (8/6/7 Talents)
Stanford Chase (7/7/4 Talents)
Matthew Mangual (10/5/5 Talents)
Adrian Garcia (9/5/8 Talents)
Julio Cuevas (10/6/7 Talents)

Renard was a savior last season, as despite low endurance, he made 19 starts went 10-6 overall with a 3.39 ERA. He can be even better as a reliever with great movement and three good pitches. Garcia is the Talons' longtime setup man, who actually had a career best season in 2037. Horswill is the long reliever, who can't make it as a starter due to the dreaded "stuck changeup". Cuevas is the closer of the future, and awesomely talented, but the club wants to get him some more routine innings before throwing him into the fire. Mangual is the lefty specialist who excelled in his first full season last year. Finally, Chase is the bullpen's seventh man, but he could be replaced at a moment's notice if need be.

Minor League Depth: Bras Gesteiras (12/4/3 Talents) and Bernie Adamczak (7/4/8 Talents)

Gesteiras is a very hard thrower with a great cutter, but was not effective during his 37 big league innings last season. Adamczak probably has the talent to survive a short stint in the majors if he can limit the home runs.

Prospect to Watch: Cornell Sanchez (9/5/7 Talents)

Sanchez likely doesn't have enough talent to close, but in a couple years he could be an effective reliever. He just has to dedicate himself to that task, something the 20 year old has yet to do.

[Ted]

I wish I knew if playing a guy with a slow developing change up in the 'pen further delays it's development as the guy goes with his top pitches more.