W.W.J.D. (What Would Joe Do?)
It’s October 28, 2021, and the Houston Astros hold a 3-2 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.
Aaron Nola has dominated the Astros in Game 6 and enters the 6th inning holding on to a 1-0 lead.
Nola strikes out George Springer to start the inning, but Carlos Correa responds with a single to make it one on, one out.
All of a sudden, Phillies manager Joe Girardi stands tall on the top step of the dugout.
Sound familiar?
While in all likelihood, Girardi would never turn to the bullpen in this situation, because well, it’s our bullpen, Tampa Bay Rays skipper Kevin Cash’s controversial decision to pull ace Blake Snell in Game 6 of the World Series sparks intrigue.
While Cash’s move cost his team the game and their shot at a title, it’s indicative of the mind-melting pressure of playoff baseball and the modern treatment of the bullpen.
If faced with a similar situation, who would Girardi give the ball to and why?
Let’s go back to our game. Aaron Nola rolls his eyes as Girardi makes his way out to the mound. Girardi raises his left hand, signaling for lefty fireballer JoJo Romero, but to no avail. Romero is facedown on the bullpen steps, profusely bleeding out after smashing an empty red bull through his arm. Nobody seems to have noticed. OK, who’s next? Other than a pair of intriguing prospects, the likely 2021 roster holdovers leave slim pickings for Girardi.
Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Perhaps the most sensible pick would be Connor Brogdon, whose deadly fastball-changeup combination propelled him to a 3.97 ERA with 17 strikeouts over 11.1 innings pitched in his rookie year. Brogdon struggled initially after being promoted in August but was dominant over 6 appearances in September where he struck out 14 over 7.5 innings without allowing a single earned run.
Fellow rookie JoJo Romero also showed upside in 2020 despite an inflated 7.59 ERA over 10.2 innings pitched. If he doesn’t slice an artery with his energy drink (am I the only one who cringes every time he does it?) Romero’s arsenal features a mid to high nineties 4-seam fastball along with a deadly mid-nineties sinker. He can also pull the strings with his changeup, which provided him with 5 of his 10 strikeouts. What’s the issue? Command, or lack thereof. While Romero only walked 2 batters all year, his 7.59 ERA is there for a reason. If Romero can stay out of the middle of the strike zone — especially with his slider, off which opponents batted .500 despite it being his 2nd most frequently thrown pitch — his live arm brings reason for optimism in 2021.
The other potential 2021 roster holdovers aren’t exactly an inspiring lot. Starter and erstwhile reliever Vince Velasquez is up for arbitration and has continually failed to live up to his potential. Also, arbitration-eligible is former closer Hector Neris, who disappointed after a promising 2019, posting 13 walks over 21 innings en route to a 4.57 ERA. Additionally, once-promising lefty Ranger Suarez was downright terrible after returning from COVID-19, somehow managing to give up 9 runs in just 4 innings. The rest of the group followed suit and right-hander Seranthony Dominguez’s decision to delay his inevitable Tommy John surgery may very well cost him the entire 2021 season.
So the question remains, who would Girardi turn to in 2021?
Certainly not the previous year’s cast of characters. This off-season’s facelift began last Friday by kicking the remaining members of the 2020 bullpen to the curb and claiming the inaccurate, flame-throwing, right-hander Johan Quezada off waivers from Miami.
Ideally, Girardi could call upon one of the top relievers in free agency, which includes relievers Liam Hendricks, Blake Treinen, and Trevor Rosenthal. While Hendricks and Treinen are likely to command multi-year contracts — entirely plausible options should the Phillies not re-sign a certain free-agent catcher — Rosenthal faces a less certain market due to his age and injury history and could be a top target for a one-year deal.
Aging submariner Darren O’Day, who turned 38 this October, is another enticing target for a one-year contract after posting a 1.10 ERA over 19 appearances. Jose Alvarez, perhaps the lone bright spot in the Phillies relief core this season, could be brought back on a budget-friendly deal to round out the bullpen.
While there are far more questions than there are answers regarding the Phillies bullpen in 2021, one certainty remains — it has to be better than last year….right?
Featured Image: AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:Phillies Unique Columns