2019 Bullpen

[Slateman]

If you give Doo a "rest," who's his replacement?

There isn't one and that's the issue. Everyone keeps talking about Hudson and Strickland. Hudson is having a career year to date and is probably due a lot of regression. He's issuing over 4BBs/9 and a sub 3 ERA isn't really that sustainable with his low K rate.

Strickland is clearly a head case, and has never really worked full innings before. Last season was his first acting as a closer and it wasn't exactly stellar.

Rodney would probably be next in line. Maybe he can do it for a couple weeks, but he is an implosion waiting to happen.

[imref]

Strickland seems to be the obvious choice for now.

[djbaseball13]

Put in Rodney if it's a three run save, Doolittle for 2 or less. That'll do it.

Good plan; We've got Rodney, so we might as well use him! I'd rather use the bullpen in games where a starter is off his game. It makes no sense for Stras (or others) to struggle through 5 innings giving up 8 runs in a losing effort. Unfortunately, Martinez doesn't believe in long relievers. And, when he brings his "A"  or starters EVER throwing a complete game! Does he realize that the bullpen celebrates when a starter goes 9 innings? It's a win-win!

[Slateman]

Good plan; We've got Rodney, so we might as well use him! I'd rather use the bullpen in games where a starter is off his game. It makes no sense for Stras (or others) to struggle through 5 innings giving up 8 runs in a losing effort. Unfortunately, Martinez doesn't believe in long relievers. And, when he brings his "A"  or starters EVER throwing a complete game! Does he realize that the bullpen celebrates when a starter goes 9 innings? It's a win-win!

Which reliever is our long reliever, again?

[Slateman]

Strickland seems to be the obvious choice for now.

How?

[imref]

How?

Closing experience, high K/9, low BB/9, and he has been light-out so far. (1R, 3H, 1BB in 5IP)

[Truconfidence]

Good plan; We've got Rodney, so we might as well use him! I'd rather use the bullpen in games where a starter is off his game. It makes no sense for Stras (or others) to struggle through 5 innings giving up 8 runs in a losing effort. Unfortunately, Martinez doesn't believe in long relievers. And, when he brings his "A"  or starters EVER throwing a complete game! Does he realize that the bullpen celebrates when a starter goes 9 innings? It's a win-win!

you keep arguing this point in your posts on here. It's like who in baseball is doing this??? Its like arguing that the four corners is a better basketball strategy to win games. No one does it anymore. It's like pining for Yesteryear. Everything is pitch count calculated now. No one is unringing that bell.

[imref]

Per Heyman: Holland agrees to a minor league deal, pending a physical.  Will report to either Fresno or Harrisburg.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

If you give Doo a "rest," who's his replacement?

rodney, suero, even Strickland or Hudson.  Frankly, I'm inclined to use one of those rather than abuse Doolittle even if it means a loss to a team that is not competing with you for the wild card.  I want Doo right for Milwaukee.

[Slateman]

Closing experience, high K/9, low BB/9, and he has been light-out so far. (1R, 3H, 1BB in 5IP)

He wasnt lights out as a closer

[Slateman]

Per Heyman: Holland agrees to a minor league deal, pending a physical.  Will report to either Fresno or Harrisburg.

Okay. It ain't like last season. Hes not going to magically find an extra 2-4 mph on his fastball

[imref]

He wasnt lights out as a closer

all I'm saying is the he's the best of the options to step in for Doolittle.

[Natsinpwc]

I would trust Hudson as closer. He is pitching well now.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Holland was actually quite good until his last 3 appearances.  There's a reasonable chance he's at least an upgrade over Guerra or Rainey.  That's an improvement at the margins. 

[djbaseball13]

you keep arguing this point in your posts on here. It's like who in baseball is doing this??? Its like arguing that the four corners is a better basketball strategy to win games. No one does it anymore. It's like pining for Yesteryear. Everything is pitch count calculated now. No one is unringing that bell.

I argue points that win! It's funny how you like to use "stats" to argue your point. How's this for stats... bullpen ERA! I can keep going if you want. When a pitcher is mowing down an opponent, then he should stay in. And, I'm not the only one saying this. Martinez has even used the "tired" bullpen excuse many times this year. We all know that opposing teams strategy vs the Nats is to get to the 'pen. We are putting our worst (and most fatigued) pitchers in the game at the most important time. Pitchers don't always have their best stuff. We need to capitalize on that instead of using "moneyball" strategy all the time.

[djbaseball13]

Which reliever is our long reliever, again?

exactly... we don't have one. Good to see us agree on something :-)

[spidernat]

good God!

[Natsinpwc]

I would trust Hudson as closer. He is pitching well now.

A little shaky but it worked.

[Expos]

So who's spot does Greg Holland take? Grace, Rainey or Suero?

My guess is Holland sends Rainey to AAA and when Elias comes back it sends Grace to the chopping block. Finally.

Sean Doolittle
Daniel Hudson
Hunter Strickland
Roenis Elias
Fernando Rodney
Greg Holland
Wander Suero
Javy Guerra

Got to give Rizzo credit for making moves to fix this atrocious pen.

[Slateman]

Guerra. He's fodder.

I also think it's really presumptuous to assume Holland will make the MLB club before September.

[nfotiu]

exactly... we don't have one. Good to see us agree on something :-)

Our starters must go 5+ at one of the highest rates ever and it doesn't seem to matter who we put in... who needs one?!? 

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Holland replaces Guerra and Elias replaces Grace. 

[Glockypoo]

Outside of the AZ game a few weeks ago Suero has quietly been really good his last 10 appearances.

10 IP, 1.80 ERA, 10 Ks, 1 BB and only 2 ER.

[Bloo]

Is it possible to put someone on the 10 day IL for rest?

[Natsinpwc]

Is it possible to put someone on the 10 day IL for rest?

Yes. You just claim an injury. Everyone is banged up in some way.