2022 Bullpen Thread

[Maxbialystock]

Schreiber only had a little over 30 IP at the ML level spread over 3 seasons, so it's hard to get a good read on how good he was before this season. He did have some very nice minor league numbers, so maybe this was not a fluke year:

 

2.41 AAA in 138 IP

2.49 in AA in 65 IP

0.54 in A in 50.1 IP

2.76 in A- in 29.1 IP

 

2.13 overall 283 IP with an 1.051 WHIP, 10.0 K.9 and 2.8 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9.

 

From what I've seen, the guy has some very nasty stuff working for him. As with almost all RP'ers, he may go up and down going forward, but he looks for real, to me.

 

I did not mean to imply Schreiber's solid year has been a fluke. I'm just saying it's one year. I agree he has good stuff and pretty good command. He's pitched 53.2 innings with a 2.18 ERA, which is pretty darn solid.

[moonslav59]

I did not mean to imply Schreiber's solid year has been a fluke. I'm just saying it's one year. I agree he has good stuff and pretty good command. He's pitched 53.2 innings with a 2.18 ERA, which is pretty darn solid.

 

No problem.

 

I was just responding to the "lousy before" comment.

[vegasbob]

Now Houck has progressed to needing back surgery , which is never a good thing. That could heal before ST or start of season, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tanner Houck is MIA for a good part of '23 either before after he tries to return. When guys in their 20's need back surgery and have big swinging motions ( at bat or on mound) it does not look good for their future. Disc surgery is never a guarantee.

 

What did a full seaon off do for Taylor so far ? It would be a disaster if the Sox lost 2 young effective relief pitchers due to back injury/conditions.

[moonslav59]

Now Houck has progressed to needing back surgery , which is never a good thing. That could heal before ST or start of season, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tanner Houck is MIA for a good part of '23 either before after he tries to return. When guys in their 20's need back surgery and have big swinging motions ( at bat or on mound) it does not look good for their future. Disc surgery is never a guarantee.

 

What did a full season off do for Taylor so far ? It would be a disaster if the Sox lost 2 young effective relief pitchers due to back injury/conditions.

 

What a total bummer.

 

This season has been a total snakebite!

[Old Red]

What a total bummer.

 

This season has been a total snakebite!

 

It has been a total snakebite, but I think it would be foolish to go into next season without an established closer to anchor the BP. I don’t believe that person is on the current roster either. I don’t think Houck is good, or consistent enough, and you can’t count on Schreiber to come back next year, and pitch like this year. Whitlock has been jerked around this year, but while he has been good for the most part he hasn’t been as lockdown as last year. Getting a established closer, and using the others in a SETUP role to me would be the best way to go.

[redsoxrules]

At this point I would rest Whitlock for the remainder of the year. Meaning I would only pitch him 1 inning. The last few outings he's had he got rocked the second inning he pitched. The SP experiment may have back fired and now he's getting tired for end of season

[moonslav59]

At this point I would rest Whitlock for the remainder of the year. Meaning I would only pitch him 1 inning. The last few outings he's had he got rocked the second inning he pitched. The SP experiment may have back fired and now he's getting tired for end of season

 

He was probably on some sort of seasonal innings or pitch count, and that might have been why they yanked him back from starting. The idea seemed to be that next year would be the 170+ IP season, but now I'm not so sure.

[Hugh2]

He was probably on some sort of seasonal innings or pitch count, and that might have been why they yanked him back from starting. The idea seemed to be that next year would be the 170+ IP season, but now I'm not so sure.

 

He will probably come close to 100 IP this year, you hope he can get close to 115-130 next year.

[moonslav59]

It has been a total snakebite, but I think it would be foolish to go into next season without an established closer to anchor the BP. I don’t believe that person is on the current roster either. I don’t think Houck is good, or consistent enough, and you can’t count on Schreiber to come back next year, and pitch like this year. Whitlock has been jerked around this year, but while he has been good for the most part he hasn’t been as lockdown as last year. Getting a established closer, and using the others in a SETUP role to me would be the best way to go.

 

I would not pay for what Diaz and Jansen will be paid. I'm not aware of any on the trade market. It would mean we'd have to go light in CF, middle IF, SP and RF/1B/DH. I also don't think that is how Sox management views the closer role, either.

 

I think we continue to try and find a closer, via trade, who might not even be one, now. We won't find another Uehara, but that is how we will try to find one, IMO- like it or not. Hopefully, we will do more than Diekman-Strahm type signings- like 3 a little better or 2 a lot better. I'm thinking that is the best we can hope for, and maybe, this time, Bloom will strike gold.

 

Personally, I'd love to add a solid, "established" closer, but on a fixed budget, I can't see how we can fill all the other holes enough to keep us competitive. We'd just end up bitching about 1B, again, or CF, or 2B/SS or RF or DH or..., instead.

[moonslav59]

He will probably come close to 100 IP this year, you hope he can get close to 115-130 next year.

 

With Houck getting back surgery, Whitlock is probably the most crucial carry-over pitcher we have. How we choose to use him next year might be Bloom's biggest winter decision he makes, and that's saying a lot, because he has to fill at least 5 high-need slots in the 26 man roster. (He needs to do well on at least 3 or 4 of those 5 or 6 fill-in additions.)

[Old Red]

I would not pay for what Diaz and Jansen will be paid. I'm not aware of any on the trade market. It would mean we'd have to go light in CF, middle IF, SP and RF/1B/DH. I also don't think that is how Sox management views the closer role, either.

 

I think we continue to try and find a closer, via trade, who might not even be one, now. We won't find another Uehara, but that is how we will try to find one, IMO- like it or not. Hopefully, we will do more than Diekman-Strahm type signings- like 3 a little better or 2 a lot better. I'm thinking that is the best we can hope for, and maybe, this time, Bloom will strike gold.

 

Personally, I'd love to add a solid, "established" closer, but on a fixed budget, I can't see how we can fill all the other holes enough to keep us competitive. We'd just end up bitching about 1B, again, or CF, or 2B/SS or RF or DH or..., instead.

 

Jensen has gone down hill as the season as worn on, and it’s not like the Dodgers have a lockdown closer either, so I know they are hard to find.

[moonslav59]

Jensen has gone down hill as the season as worn on, and it’s not like the Dodgers have a lockdown closer either, so I know they are hard to find.

 

It's easy to say we need to get an established closer and really want it to happen, but we all know how hard and costly it is, and even if you do, it's still a roll of the dice, to some extent. There are no MO's anymore.

 

That, in itself, is a big worry, but when you add to the fact that spending big on a closer means going lighter at another position or two of need, and it gets even scarier. It might mean settling on a DH like Brantley over a solid OF'er with OBP skills like Nimmo. It might mean settling on Arroyo at 2B and moving Story to SS, so we can afford a closer like Diaz.

 

I think we try to trade for a solid set-up man or two, in hopes we can convert one to a closer. If it works, Bloom is a genius. If it doesn't work, we'll be hearing the same bashing of the pen plan, again. I just don't see us signing a closer. We might not even be willing to win a bidding war for Fulmer or other next tier RP'ers.

[notin]

It's easy to say we need to get an established closer and really want it to happen, but we all know how hard and costly it is, and even if you do, it's still a roll of the dice, to some extent. There are no MO's anymore.

 

That, in itself, is a big worry, but when you add to the fact that spending big on a closer means going lighter at another position or two of need, and it gets even scarier. It might mean settling on a DH like Brantley over a solid OF'er with OBP skills like Nimmo. It might mean settling on Arroyo at 2B and moving Story to SS, so we can afford a closer like Diaz.

 

I think we try to trade for a solid set-up man or two, in hopes we can convert one to a closer. If it works, Bloom is a genius. If it doesn't work, we'll be hearing the same bashing of the pen plan, again. I just don't see us signing a closer. We might not even be willing to win a bidding war for Fulmer or other next tier RP'ers.

 

When was the last time the Sox blew a ninth inning lead?

 

They did it too close to regularly in April and May. They’ve given up ninth inning runs in tie games recently (Schreiber vs NY, Houck vs Cle, Whitlock vs KC for example).

 

But the whole closer thing - ever since the Sox have put Houck in as closer and Schreiber as the relief ace, have they blown a ninth inning lead?

[moonslav59]

When was the last time the Sox blew a ninth inning lead?

 

They did it too close to regularly in April and May. They’ve given up ninth inning runs in tie games recently (Schreiber vs NY, Houck vs Cle, Whitlock vs KC for example).

 

But the whole closer thing - ever since the Sox have put Houck in as closer and Schreiber as the relief ace, have they blown a ninth inning lead?

 

You are singing to the choir.

 

I don't want us to spend big on a closer, but with Houck now highly questionable, I do think we need and will add some RP'ers who may be converted to closer or use Whitlock as the 2023 closer/relief ace.

[harmony]

You are singing to the choir.

 

I don't want us to spend big on a closer, but with Houck now highly questionable, I do think we need and will add some RP'ers who may be converted to closer or use Whitlock as the 2023 closer/relief ace.

Free agent-to-be Rafael Montero!

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montera01.shtml

 

Montero has rebounded well this season after losing the closer's role in his brief stint with the Seattle Mariners the previous year.

[moonslav59]

Free agent-to-be Rafael Montero!

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montera01.shtml

 

Montero has rebounded well this season after losing the closer's role in his brief stint with the Seattle Mariners the previous year.

 

I'm fine with signing a second tier guy like him or Fulmer, and I'm sure there are 3-4 others.

 

That's one of the guys notin has been pushing. I wonder how much he will cost.

[notin]

Free agent-to-be Rafael Montero!

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montera01.shtml

 

Montero has rebounded well this season after losing the closer's role in his brief stint with the Seattle Mariners the previous year.

 

I’ve mentioned Montero as one of three RPs to target this off-season, along with Michael Fulmer and Blake Treinen (assuming he’s healthy).

 

A LHRP might be necessary, too, with Davis and Diekman gone, Strahm leaving, Taylor questionable, and Darwinzon just incapable of throwing strikes. But then the 3-batter-minimum rule has really cut into the importance of the LHRP and you need pitchers whose only skill isn’t being left-handed.. or

[moonslav59]

I’ve mentioned Montero as one of three RPs to target this off-season, along with Michael Fulmer and Blake Treinen (assuming he’s healthy).

 

A LHRP might be necessary, too, with Davis and Diekman gone, Strahm leaving, Taylor questionable, and Darwinzon just incapable of throwing strikes. But then the 3-batter-minimum rule has really cut into the importance of the LHRP and you need pitchers whose only skill isn’t being left-handed.. or

 

Sign one of those 3 and maybe bring Strahm back. Not sure that's enough, but it's better than Diekman & Strahm.

 

We may need to replace Houck.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Present day baseball is quite simple. If a team doesn't have a decent BP, that team doesn't have a chance.

[harmony]

Present day baseball is quite simple. If a team doesn't have a decent BP, that team doesn't have a chance.

The upstart Seattle Mariners control their entire effective bullpen for two more seasons with the exception of lefty Matthew Boyd, who made his Mariner debut last week with one impressive inning. Seattle may seek to re-sign Boyd, who was a 10-year-old Mariner fanatic in 2001 when the Seattle-area native attended a game in the M's last postseason appearance.

[Old Red]

Present day baseball is quite simple. If a team doesn't have a decent BP, that team doesn't have a chance.

 

That’s pretty much what Eck said the other night.

[Old Red]

When was the last time the Sox blew a ninth inning lead?

 

They did it too close to regularly in April and May. They’ve given up ninth inning runs in tie games recently (Schreiber vs NY, Houck vs Cle, Whitlock vs KC for example).

 

But the whole closer thing - ever since the Sox have put Houck in as closer and Schreiber as the relief ace, have they blown a ninth inning lead?

 

It’s kind of a standard thing going into a season to have a reliable closer, and some good SETUP men if you are going to be a good team. Counting on Houck, Whitlock, and Schreiber in that role going into next year to me is a very risky thing to do. I’m not sold on any to be a closer, or in a SETUP role either.

[Bellhorn04]

Present day baseball is quite simple. If a team doesn't have a decent BP, that team doesn't have a chance.

 

I don't disagree, but in the final analysis it's our injury-riddled starting rotation that has really sunk us this year.

[Bellhorn04]

It’s kind of a standard thing going into a season to have a reliable closer, and some good SETUP men if you are going to be a good team. Counting on Houck, Whitlock, and Schreiber in that role going into next year to me is a very risky thing to do. I’m not sold on any to be a closer, or in a SETUP role either.

 

You're not too keen on the RELIEF ACE label, huh. They're all labels. SETUP MAN is no different.

[Old Red]

You're not too keen on the RELIEF ACE label, huh. They're all labels. SETUP MAN is no different.

 

I still have not heard Relief Ace used anywhere else, but here, but if I do I’ll say I heard it here first, but until then that’s all I’ve heard of it is here. I prefer the Monsta reliever named after Radtz.

[Bellhorn04]

I still have not heard Relief Ace used anywhere else, but here, but if I do I’ll say I heard it here first, but until then that’s all I’ve heard of it is here. I prefer the Monsta reliever named after Radtz.

 

So you haven't even Googled it. That figgahs!

[dgalehouse]

Present day baseball is quite simple. If a team doesn't have a decent BP, that team doesn't have a chance.

 

Exactly right. It dumbfounds me that the Sox do not seem to realize this.

[Old Red]

I don't disagree, but in the final analysis it's our injury-riddled starting rotation that has really sunk us this year.

 

Injuries played a part, but there was no plan for the backend of the BP to start the season. Whitlock tried to get a 4 inning save on opening day. Was Barnes, and Robles the plan to close?

[Bellhorn04]

Exactly right. It dumbfounds me that the Sox do not seem to realize this.

 

They almost made it to the World Series last year with a similarly cut-rate bullpen.

[Bellhorn04]

Injuries played a part, but there was no plan for the backend of the BP to start the season. Whitlock tried to get a 4 inning save on opening day. Was Barnes, and Robles the plan to close?

 

The plan was let's see who claims the roles by pitching the best, I would say...