jaysblue

What? Tulo was always superior to Reyes!

This is surreal!

This is f***ing awesome!!! Travis, Donaldson, Bautista, EE, Tulo, Martin!!!! Someone pinch me!!!

I can't believe what I'm reading if this is true. This is f***ing crazy!!!!!

Holy s***!!!! this made my f***ing night!!!!!

Watching the D'Backs/Mariners game. #GoldschmidtHappens

You know Vizcaino is only 24 years old right? Sure he can crash and bust, though he has electric stuff and we've seen pitchers who have failed as starters have success in the pen. You own one of those examples. As well, your be all and end all Steamer projects him to have a 3.27 ERA with a 10.05 K/9. I'm sure he'll rack up some holds if he's not closing in Atlanta's pen, so there is value with those peripherals. Jeffress has actually been solid out of the Brewers pen since last year. I was shocked to see the statistics, since he was a mess in Toronto. Since last July, he's posted a 2.91 xFIP in 70.1 innings. He's overtaken Broxton as the main 8th inning guy now, so if he continues to rack up holds and post solid peripherals as he has been doing, he's a nice arm to have.

Hopefully he was in your lineup last night

Seriously what?

You don't own Papi in this league?

How so?

Even if Jeffress or Vizcaino don't land a gig in the 9th inning, they both are still solid bullpen arms.

I think my pen is pretty strong to be honest. Sure its not one of the best in the league, though I never said it was. Boxberger and Kevin Siegrist have been fantastic for me there is no denying that. Grimm hasn't got many holds, though as we've seen with BP arms all they need is an opportunity. Grimm has posted a 13.68 K/9 so far this season, which is a reason to roster him. Jeffress has been pretty good and he's getting his share of holds. Also, a speculative play with him for some saves if K-Rod gets dealt. Barrett has been very good, outside of a couple of bad outings and is getting holds in the Nats bullpen. Vizcaino is a young guy and a couple of years ago was a highly touted pitching prospect - he has all the weapons and skill set to have success in the pen long term. I'm willing to roll the dice on him as he offers some nice potential and theres nothing to lose. Also, if Atlanta deals Johnson, I'm sure Vizcaino gets a first look in the 9th. I think its a solid pen that can be even better if someone like Jeffress or Vizcaino find themselves in a closers role. Like I said, I still would like add another closer before the deadline since my BP is thin on arms who can get me saves.

I've always liked the Flyin Hawaiian though his baseball career is almost over.

Did I say it was a special strategy?

I've always found that you can build solid pens on the cheap. For example, Boxberger for me last season was a waiver wire pickup, and I believe the same with Kevin Siegrist earlier this season. I've also added some other solid guys off the waiver wire like Grimm, Jeffress, Vizcaino and Hoover. Basically my entire bullpen has been built off the waiver wire. I'd probably like another closer who can pick me up saves; otherwise all my arms have been posting up strong peripherals. Thing is its tough to keep your entire pen, especially guys that you speculate on for saves. I had Jeurys Familia in both the DDL and FC last season (picked him up off the waiver wire) and didn't keep him past the cut. Huge mistake obviously, though I've been right and wrong on so many BP arms in the past, its really a lottery. Right now I'd obviously use two keeper spots on Boxberger and Kevin Siegrist. That could change obviously if someone like Vizcaino, Jeffress or Hoover find their way into the closers role by seasons end.

Probably a veteran closer ranked outside of the top 20.

Lucky bastard

Anyone want Mike Napoli? Last chance!

Yeah they still had Hendricks, who can pitch multiple innings if needed, along with Cecil and Osuna still in the BP.

Which rock have you been living under?

Considering Loup's performance in high leverage situations this season, my preference is I don't want him facing a RHB bat in a tie game, when that one swing can lose you the game. Obviously, there is no right or wrong answer here. The argument you present is a valid one as well, since you don't know how long the game can go.

Hoover is available, and possibly one of Grimm or Barrett. Shoot me an offer.

All damage has been done against right handed bats who crush LHP. Sure it won't continue going forward, though when you are in a tie game and one swing can lose you the game like what just happened, Loup shouldn't be in there.

Yeah he's been awful in high leverage situations so far this season. That could change year to year. Otherwise he has been solid. Regardless, in a tie game where one swing can win the game for the Mariners, Loup shouldn't be in there against a right handed bat (all 6 HR's given up this season have been against right handed bats) when the Jays have Hendricks in the bullpen.