14 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN: A longer look at Orioles' bullpen usage and construction

https://www.masnspor...nd-construction

[BaltBird 24]

They've all been fine to an extent. I probably have the least amount of trust in Webb and Baumann, but they are fine for where they should be used at.

Kimbrel, Cano, Coulombe, and Tate are fine for the back end. Even Akin looks better - it appears he came into the season in much better shape.

I would like to see Saurez factored into the BP if any of the starters get healthy.

[Mackus]

It's fine.  It's not a weapon, but its not a fatal flaw either.  Do think the bullpen is the weakest unit on the team and will be an area we should look to address with as good of an arm as we can find come deadline time.  That's pending the returns of Means and Bradish, if one or both of those don't go well then SP will be a bigger need.  Certainly think there is ammo to improve both units in July, and likely would be the right and smart thing to do.

 

I don't view Suarez as a BP answer anymore than I do Perez returning soon, but crazier things have happened.  Also think someone from the grouping of McDermott, Johnson and Povich could help the pen (less so the rotation, but maybe).

[RichardZ]

It's fine.  It's not a weapon, but its not a fatal flaw either.  Do think the bullpen is the weakest unit on the team and will be an area we should look to address with as good of an arm as we can find come deadline time.  That's pending the returns of Means and Bradish, if one or both of those don't go well then SP will be a bigger need.  Certainly think there is ammo to improve both units in July, and likely would be the right and smart thing to do.
 
I don't view Suarez as a BP answer anymore than I do Perez returning soon, but crazier things have happened.  Also think someone from the grouping of McDermott, Johnson and Povich could help the pen (less so the rotation, but maybe).

I think Suarez shows the stuff and command to be a high leverage reliever. Baumann has the stuff but not the command. If Bradish comes back the 5th starter comes down to Means, Wells, Irvin, or Suarez. The losers are headed to the pen. Bullpen keepers are Kimbrel, Cano, Coulombe. Everyone else is vulnerable to some extent. IF Bradish comes back and pitches well, the trickle effect should help the bullpen as well.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

The Suarez love is pretty funny. I mean anything is possible but the dude has been mediocre in the minors/foreign leagues for years now. He had one good start against a pudrid offense. Slow the roll. Odds are he will be DFAd before summer.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Couple other thoughts. I dont really trust Tate much. Not stuff wise and its also apparent he is being babied. Not sure why hes lumped in with the other "back end" guys listed above.


-I see why they picked up Ramirez. Cant really trust him yet. Could easily be gome soon. The stuff can be really good though. His issue appears to be control as the career 5.0 BB/9 will attest

[BobPhelan]

The Suarez love is pretty funny. I mean anything is possible but the dude has been mediocre in the minors/foreign leagues for years now. He had one good start against a pudrid offense. Slow the roll. Odds are he will be DFAd before summer.

Fastball velocity is up 3-4 ticks from 2023.

[BSLChrisStoner]

They'll add a high leverage reliever at the deadline.

Pen will also improve if Bradish and Means get back into the rotation and are effective.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Fastball velocity is up 3-4 ticks from 2023.

He kinda didnt even deserve the call. I mean SSS in AAA but his 15 innings down there were not good.

[CantonJester]

I mean, he's an arm, and Wells' elbow dictated somebody get the call. But yeah, dude was straight up BP in AAA this season. 

 

This team needs pitching help. Relying on Bradish and Means to both return in order to see the benefits in the BP is a risky plan.

[BobPhelan]

He kinda didnt even deserve the call. I mean SSS in AAA but his 15 innings down there were not good.

Disagree. 17 strikeouts to 1 walk. 3.41 FIP, 2.94 xFIP.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

The bullpen is not that good. They will have some good nights. And they will have some lousy ones like last night. Not the bullpen we need to be a legit contender.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I got out ahead of Tate yesterday. If the guy needs this much rest between outings and is mediocre then just move on already. I promise he wont be a guy you will regret losing.

[BobPhelan]

I got out ahead of Tate yesterday. If the guy needs this much rest between outings and is mediocre then just move on already. I promise he wont be a guy you will regret losing.

He has an option, use it.

[BaltBird 24]

Command looks alright, off speed stuff is OK, but he isn't fooling with with 91-92.