Rays' Bullpen.

by Cory Alexander on Apr 25, 2008 11:33 PM EDT

It's amazing what a year does for you. Not only has our bullpen improved, it has been more than average. It has dominated.

Rays are 1st in Bullpen ERA (2.39), 2nd in Batting Average (.213), 2nd in Walks Allowed (22), 2nd in Hits Allowed (52). Are we able to continue this dominance? Probably not. But when Kaz comes back and this continues, I think this team has a good shot at 90 wins. I know it is early, but I am optimistic Kaz will love this bullpen when he returns.

I can dream, right? Hopefully our 2nd best Pitching staff in ERA (3.94) continue this sucess.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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FWIW

The best ERA out of any of our relievers last season was Dohman’s 3.31 nearly a full run higher than our entire team bullpen ERA this year

by Dbullsfan on Apr 25, 2008 11:43 PM EDT reply actions

Those numbers you have are going into tonights game.

They’ll be even better when you check them again in the morning.

www.citadel-insurance.com

by SeanDubbs on Apr 25, 2008 11:52 PM EDT reply actions

I think these are the updated stats, fwiw

My Blog. Check it out if you wish.

by Cory Alexander on Apr 26, 2008 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Bullpen was more lucky than good tonight

A lot of hard hit balls tonight went for outs. Most times that doesn’t happen.

by ttnorm on Apr 25, 2008 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

The bullpen was lucky and good.

They were lucky because of the stellar defense that the entire Rays team played. That’s why its a team game, the pitchers need guys like Bartlett, BJ, and Crawford making huge plays to get them out of innings. All around, they just played like a team with a will to win. In years past, I’m not sure we ever would have seen anything close to a performance like this. It was very impressive.

by jacksontsmith on Apr 26, 2008 1:11 AM EDT reply actions

Defense

Just back from the game. It was won by defense. Bartlett was amazing. A terrific play on a scorched ball to his right that he turned into a DP. A solid play on a slowly hit ball that he got to Iwamura for a force and almost a DP. And a stellar play from deep in the third base hole to throw out the batter. Smooth and perfect all night. In addition, two fine catches by the outfielders. Every hit to the outfield was cut off to prevent extra bases. A crisply played game that would have been Boston’s last year by at least 8-4. Yes, the bullpen gave up some hard shots, but a solid defense makes pitchers good. One of the best games I have ever seen.

by bobr on Apr 26, 2008 1:47 AM EDT reply actions

Bartlett

It’s about time we started to see that stellar defense that the Rays front office kept telling us about after the trade. I think last night will give him a lot of confidence, and hopefully it will carry over to the batter’s box as well.

The artist formerly known as TonyT

by acelion on Apr 26, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Bartlett

Except for that brief stretch of throwing problems, I think we have seen it all along. He is a very athletic shortstop and was always getting to lots of balls.

I think some people have underestimated his importance to this team. I doubt the Rays would have dealt Young even up for Garza. They had to get Bartlett too. While he is not hitting, he is still helping us win, and although I do not expect him to be an all-star, I do think he will hit well enough in the nine slot.

by bobr on Apr 26, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

2.32 ERA as of Saturday morning.

www.citadel-insurance.com

by SeanDubbs on Apr 26, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Going Forward

With the plethora of pitching talent in the Rays system, the bullpen shouldn’t be an issue again for a long time. All the young guys who don’t stick in the rotation should be great in relief.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 26, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions