There are far bigger concerns with the Baltimore Orioles than their bullpen, but it is certainly an issue which receives a lot of attention each year.
It is my belief that any discussion of a Major League bullpen has to begin with the rotation in-front of them. If the rotation is regularly providing consistent innings, and quality starts; a bullpen has a chance to slot into normal roles and produce.
We understand that relievers are often described as having a high degree of volatility. I think a lot of that can be attributed to the position itself. I would want bullpen full of guys that have the ability to throw to either side of the plate, provide multiple innings, that will not beat themselves with poor control. If you can give me guys with high K rates, high GB rates, and low hits per IP – all the better.
I think most O’s fans would recognize at this point the organization as a whole will be better, if the resources that have previously been spent towards relievers, would be used towards improving the Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, and Player Development Departments.
Before anyone externally is added, I see a number of positive options existing internally for next year. As of today, I would probably go with:
Gregg, Johnson, Tillman, Strop, A. Simon, VandenHurk or Bergesen, Patton or Reyes.
Other options*: Phillips, Eyre, VandenHurk or Bergesen, Patton or Reyes, Rapada, Jakubauskas, S. Johnson, Pelzer etc.
If Klein returns to action in late May / mid-June, I’d like to see him in Baltimore for the 2nd half. Similarly, if Schrader gets healthy I can see him starting ’12 at Bowie. If he has success, he should also be an option for quick promotion.
Wright, Simon, Taylor, Howard, Jones, and Wilson were all college arms selected this year between the 3rd and 10th rounds. I had hoped that Wright was going to be used in relief, but the O’s want to look at him as a Starter. To me, you are looking for near immediate dividends out of this group. If the O’s used them all as relievers and put them on a path similar to Klein; they could all be Major League options towards the end of ’12.
*I have not reviewed the contract status of each of the aforementioned player, to determine if they would be under O’s team control next year. Really just illustrating the point that there are plenty of capable arms existing which could be options.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.