The Bullpen – Is It a Strength or a Weakness?
With or without Bryce Harper, the Phillies are shaping up to be a much-improved team this season. There are still a few holes, though, some of the most glaring of which are the starting rotation and the bullpen.
The bullpen, while not great last year, received far more criticism than was warranted. Yes, there were a ton of blow-up innings, and every time Adam Morgan, Tommy Hunter, or Hector Neris came into the game, fans everywhere groaned.
But there were bright spots – Morgan and Hunter had pretty decent ERAs by the end of the season. Neris greatly improved when he returned from the minors. And we were introduced to Seranthony Dominguez.
This could be the year where the bullpen is once again a strength of the ballclub.
The back end of the bullpen is stacked, much like in 2008 with “The Bridge to Lidge.” Dominguez, even though he faltered down the stretch last season – mostly because of fatigue since he pitched so much – is poised to have a great season. As previously mentioned, Neris regained his form after a trip to Lehigh Valley, and one would hope he has that same form this season. And then there’s the addition of David Robertson.
The righty is a stud, owning a career 2.88 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He was even featured as a closer for a three-year stint in his career, posting 39 saves in 2014, 34 in 2015, and 37 in 2016. Partnered with Neris and Dominguez, the three of them make a formidable trio. Most likely, they will all see save opportunities at the beginning of the season. But, as it progresses (hopefully no longer than the end of April), one of them will most likely be entrenched as the full-time closer. Defining roles for the members of the bullpen should greatly improve their performance.
Then there are the pieces that will fill in the rest of the ‘pen.
Pat Neshek is healthy this season, and it’s not hard to see him regaining his All-Star form from 2017.
Jose Alvarez was acquired this offseason in a trade with the Angels. Last year, he posted a 2.71 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 59 strikeouts in 63 innings. Adding that to any bullpen will instantly strengthen it.
Victor Arano was a revelation last year – 2.73 ERA in 59.1 innings – and he should definitely be back in the mix this season.
If everyone can replicate the success they had last season, or the improvements they made as the season went along, we should be in a for a treat this year. And with a vastly improved defense behind them, gone are the days of screaming at the TV when a pitching change was made. Hopefully.
Photo: @PhilliesNewsFan (via Twitter)
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