Around The Horn: Bullpen Rankings
-Dexter Sports
3:40 PM
In our first edition of the Bullpen Rank 'em we saw an Oriole Bullpen that was dominate, a tigers bullpen that blew games and a Brewer bullpen that ranked first, though they struggled a bit. Today, We will see a whole new look as many team's bullpens have actually improved over the year. Lets take a look.
The Shut Down Pens
1. St. Louis Cardinals- This teams ability to shut the door in the late innings is what makes them the number one pen in the league as of now. 8 saves thus far so far this season, and the brilliant usage of tony larussa turning former starters into decent pen guys. The Cardinals are in the hunt so far, simply because of pitching. The bullpen's 2.97 ERA has a lot to do with it.
2. New York Mets- Not many are talking about the job that these guys have done when it mattered. A lot of the success factor simply comes down to the fact that they have a near two to one strikeout to walk ratio, and they have been in a lot less games, because starting pitching has pitched deep into games so far this season, unlike last year's rotation
3. Chicago White Sox- Though many gave them slack for their off-season signings of Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel, something has to give. This bullpen, led by Bobby Jenks has been lights out in 2008. With a 3.08 bullpen ERA and only one home run allowed, it has been very hard for opposing hitters to step up to the plate late in games.
The Mop Ups
1. Seattle Mariners- Who would of thought after a great run last year that this pen would even see time with the Mop Ups of the league. Though last year sported George Sherrill in a setup role and a healthy J.J. Putz, it is still bad to see good relievers like Mark Lowe struggle. The Mariners have called up Brandan Morrow to help stop the bleeding. I think at this point next week, you will not see the Mariners in the bottom three. Especially if Putz can come back 100 percent.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates- Honestly, is this a suprise? The Pirates bullpen sports a beautiful 5.60 ERA and has lost three games already this year. Matt Capps is still looking for save oppurtunites and this bullpen doesnt help its case, considering that they have walked(42) nearly as many as they have struck out(44). It makes you wonder how bad this pen will be if they get rid of Demaso Marte at the break.
3. Texas Rangers- Wow, can it get any worse than the mop ups in Arlington? The situation in Texas is almost a catch 22. Many have been really bad, such as Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert, but others have been flawless, such as Franklyn German and C.J. Wilson . I think its time for a John Patterson and Kameron Loe call up. Even that might not help. Of course, when you walk more than you strike out, your bullpen isn't going to be effective.
3:40 PM
In our first edition of the Bullpen Rank 'em we saw an Oriole Bullpen that was dominate, a tigers bullpen that blew games and a Brewer bullpen that ranked first, though they struggled a bit. Today, We will see a whole new look as many team's bullpens have actually improved over the year. Lets take a look.
The Shut Down Pens
1. St. Louis Cardinals- This teams ability to shut the door in the late innings is what makes them the number one pen in the league as of now. 8 saves thus far so far this season, and the brilliant usage of tony larussa turning former starters into decent pen guys. The Cardinals are in the hunt so far, simply because of pitching. The bullpen's 2.97 ERA has a lot to do with it.
2. New York Mets- Not many are talking about the job that these guys have done when it mattered. A lot of the success factor simply comes down to the fact that they have a near two to one strikeout to walk ratio, and they have been in a lot less games, because starting pitching has pitched deep into games so far this season, unlike last year's rotation
3. Chicago White Sox- Though many gave them slack for their off-season signings of Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel, something has to give. This bullpen, led by Bobby Jenks has been lights out in 2008. With a 3.08 bullpen ERA and only one home run allowed, it has been very hard for opposing hitters to step up to the plate late in games.
The Mop Ups
1. Seattle Mariners- Who would of thought after a great run last year that this pen would even see time with the Mop Ups of the league. Though last year sported George Sherrill in a setup role and a healthy J.J. Putz, it is still bad to see good relievers like Mark Lowe struggle. The Mariners have called up Brandan Morrow to help stop the bleeding. I think at this point next week, you will not see the Mariners in the bottom three. Especially if Putz can come back 100 percent.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates- Honestly, is this a suprise? The Pirates bullpen sports a beautiful 5.60 ERA and has lost three games already this year. Matt Capps is still looking for save oppurtunites and this bullpen doesnt help its case, considering that they have walked(42) nearly as many as they have struck out(44). It makes you wonder how bad this pen will be if they get rid of Demaso Marte at the break.
3. Texas Rangers- Wow, can it get any worse than the mop ups in Arlington? The situation in Texas is almost a catch 22. Many have been really bad, such as Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert, but others have been flawless, such as Franklyn German and C.J. Wilson . I think its time for a John Patterson and Kameron Loe call up. Even that might not help. Of course, when you walk more than you strike out, your bullpen isn't going to be effective.
