jaysblue

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.

His K/BB ratio has been superb. He tends to struggle against RHB and in a tie game where one pitch can decide the game, he shouldn't be there facing a RHB. All 6 HR's given up have come against RHB. Liam Hendricks should have been in that spot. I know its a small sample, though according to FanGraphs leverage index this season, Loup has a 4.10 xFIP in high leverage situations. Otherwise, he has been great.

Carrera being scooped off waivers in the LOD right now!

He's making you look like a dumb ass!

He hit a HR just now.

This thread is hilarious. I've never seen so many posters snap at like every play/decision made by players/management etc. I guess we're all back on the Carrera bandwagon?

He just made a nice catch.

He hit that HR yesterday though...

I'm sure being a DH has helped A-Rod greatly. It's likely just a one season thing, I don't see A-Rod hitting this way next season. We've seen a bunch of vet bats who've had a rejuvenated year in their late 30's and then not following up those performances the following season (e.g. Vladdy with Texas in 2010, Berkman with St. Louis, Beltran with St. Louis).

Did they make the postseason last year?

I have no clue why the Mariners are still pitching Rodney in high leverage situations lol.

Gibbons just had a hunch

lol