Roger Arrieta
The Padres have made it clear they mean business, and the Dodgers have made it clear they are making moves. Throughout their winning 94 games in 2014, and being eliminated from the playoffs in 4 games, the common theme was the Dodgers needed to improve their bullpen. Headed into this off-season, the common theme was, the Dodgers needed to improve their bullpen. So far, it would appear the Dodgers have addressed everything but their bullpen, they’ve acquired a new short-stop, second baseman, catcher, two starting pitchers, and removed one of their outfielders. So what about the bullpen?
One thing that made their bullpen better was them releasing Brian Wilson. Even though Wilson was very good for the four weeks he pitched for the Dodgers in 2013, he was simply too inconsistent in 2014, and he had virtually no confidence in his fastball, which rarely topped 90 MPH. This coming from someone who would regularly hit 98-99 on the radar gun, before Tommy John surgery, and even hitting 95-96 in 2013. Last year he was too inconsistent, and didn’t throw nearly enough strikes, probably, because he was nibbling with his slider and off speed pitches most of the time. He had exercised his option with the club(not surprisingly) for 2015, but the Dodgers have the luxury to be able to eat the money from that contract, and part ways. So by the subtraction of one of their most inconsistent relievers, they have already improved their bullpen. But who have they added?
Joel Peralta
A reliever who spent the last four years in Tampa Bay, under Andrew Friedman. His numbers don’t exactly jump out at you, but there is a reason new CBO Friedman traded for him, so I will trust that. Andrew Friedman is part of the new school of baseball executives, so the kind of stats fans are most familiar with, ie; SO, ERA, W-L record, etc, don’t really apply as much as they used to. There are far more advanced numbers we can’t even comprehend without a degree in calculus. Peralta will be a good addition to the bullpen.
Juan Nicasio
Thought to possibly be a fourth or fifth starter option, Nicasio can now slide into a more suitable role of long relief, the Jamey Wright role.
Mike Bolsinger
Acquired from the Diamondbacks, was mostly used a starter, but could also provide that long bullpen help.
Chris Hatcher
Hatcher was part of the Dee Gordon trade, he is a strike out type reliever, and pitched to a 3.38 ERA last season with the Marlins.
Who is still here?
Brandon League
Even though he doesn’t seem to be a fan favorite, Brandon League was actually very effective for the Dodgers last season. While his strikeout numbers aren’t off the charts, like a prototypical set up man, his 2.57 ERA is very solid. He’s a ground ball pitcher, because he throws a heavy sinker. If he can duplicate those numbers, he will help the bullpen.
JP Howell
Another very underrated bullpen piece for the Dodgers, who pitched his way to the tube of a 2.38 ERA last season, and is more than simply a left handed specialist. I expect JP to have a larger role in 2015, and the role of lefty specialist will most likely go to Paco Rodriguez.
There are pitching prospects like Zach Lee, Chris Reed, both of whom were on pace to pitch for the Dodgers in 2014, until sub-par minor league seasons kept them in the the minors. Both are very highly touted prospects, and could prove to be very valuable as bullpen pieces.
I trust the Dodgers will sign a reliever or two between now and spring training, and it seems every season, there is always a journey man non-roster invitee who shows up and wins a walk on role. I’m confident the front office has done their homework, and the bullpen will be significantly improved in 2015.
