[mikev]

Season Wrapup: Bullpen

So, in order to hit the PPT bonus, I'm going to rip off Eng's (or is he Cheng? **** if I know) Season Review feature.

1) Infielders
2) Outfielders
3) Starting Pitchers
4) Relievers

1) CL Hsin-ta Jin
3-7, 1.91 ERA, 66 IP
42 SV, 0.97 WHIP, 21.9 VORP
Grade: A

The 36 year old hard throwing lefty had another solid season at the end of the Crusaders bullpen. I'm a little bit perturbed with the fact that the guy had 10 friggin decisions this year, and his control is getting a little spotty. He signed a reduced cost extension and will likely move to a setup role next year.

2) CL Luis "Beast Of Burden" Vargas
7-4, 2.27 ERA, 47.2 IP
1SV, 1.11 WHIP, 13.9 VORP
Grade: A

Another easy grade here. Vargas was basically fantastic every time he got the ball, and is going to anchor our bullpen for years. Oh yeah, he's only 20 years old. Expect him to be the closer next season.

3) MR Angel "Dog" Sandoval
7-2, 1.54 ERA, 110.1 IP
3SV, 1.03 WHIP, 41.4 VORP
Grade: A

I'm sensing a trend here. Oh right, we had the best bullpen in baseball. As good a Jin and Vargas were, Sandoval was even better. His ability to go multiple innings (110 IP in 69 G) makes him a fantastic bridge between the starters and Jin/Vargas.

4) MR Jesus Diaz
0-0, 2.45 ERA, 7.1 IP
1.36 WHIP, 2.0 VORP
Grade: B

Diaz was effective in the four games he appeared in. He was in the same spot in the bullpen he's been the last 3 years, was on the roster all season, and yet somehow OOTP chose to use him in only FOUR games. Brilliant.

5) MR Jorge Cisneros
1-0, 2.31 ERA, 11.2 IP
0.86 WHIP, 3.3 VORP
Grade: B

Another awesome reliever who didn't get nearly enough innings.

6) MR Jesus Perez
1-0, 1.17 ERA, 15.1 IP
0.72 WHIP, 6.3 VORP

Apparently it just didn't matter who we ran out in the bullpen this season, they dominated. I like this problem, too many good arms.