Article: Can Terry Ryan And Old School Scouting Still Build A Bullpen?

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

So, yes, you need to explain a little better, because the over-all numbers do not reflect what happened during the season.

But there is always that kind of month-to-month variation in player performance, they're not robots. Crediting those short-term variations to external factors is usually a fool's errand, especially for veterans who have long demonstrated similar variations in performance like Pelfrey and Santana.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Well, I will officially put my bullpen acquisition complaints on the shelf for now, and focus on what's to be done going forward.

 

O'Rourke should already be penciled into a strict LOOGY role to open the year, he's shown enough vs LHB at all levels to deserve that, and he's almost 28 years old -- it's time to capitalize on his strengths, not work more on his weaknesses (vs RHB).

 

I want to see Abad held to a VERY high standard in spring training.  He's produced solid numbers the past 4 springs, and only produced one valuable season out of the bunch, so I want to see him dominate before he's allowed to make the roster.  If he can't do that, let's move on -- we don't need him as a middling lower-leverage arm.

http://m.mlb.com/player/472551/fernando-abad?year=2015&stats=career-s-pitching-mlb

 

I also want to see our youngest options get lots of priority innings this spring.  Not just Tonkin, Pressly, and Graham, who have already had a relatively decent amount of MLB opportunity, but Meyer (if not starting), Rogers, and Chargois.  For that matter, 40-man roster status should not be a limiting factor, and Burdi should get strong consideration too.  (Reed, Melotakis, and Williams are such extreme long shots for MLB opening day, we probably shouldn't invest many opportunities in them this spring, although they could be promoted aggressively later.)

 

I'm resigned to the fact that Milone and/or Nolasco may make the opening day bullpen, but I'd prefer to move them aggressively.  Nolasco in particular could be a candidate for release.  They have usefulness as starter insurance, but their upside isn't so great as to keep them around forever waiting.  May should be given consideration for any rotation openings, as should Berrios.

Edited January 28, 2016 by spycake

[Mike Sixel]

I agree on O'Rourke for sure. He's 28. Use his strengths, and move on with life. Otherwise they are just wasting his talent.

 

I agree on Abad, he either impresses the heck out of you, or see below......

 

I agree on your comments on the young players. If that is your strategy, do it.