Is the Bullpen Set?

[Bahama O's Fan]

We have Britton, Matusz, McFarlane and Wright as lefties and Oday, Brach, Hunter and one of the six starters as righties. Do you guys think we need to do anything else to the pen? Do you think DD will?

[25 Nuggets]

We have Britton' date=' Matusz, McFarlane and Wright as lefties and Oday, Brach, Hunter and one of the six starters as righties. Do you guys think we need to do anything else to the pen? Do you think DD will?[/quote']

I don't expect any big name guys like Sergio Romo, if that's what you're saying. I think there will be a bit more competition in the pen and a couple of those names may not make it out of spring training. Don't forget Ryan Webb is still with the team, he's not chopped liver either.

[Bahama O's Fan]

I don't expect any big name guys like Sergio Romo, if that's what you're saying. I think there will be a bit more competition in the pen and a couple of those names may not make it out of spring training. Don't forget Ryan Webb is still with the team, he's not chopped liver either.

Thanks, don't know how I forgot Webb. If you count one of the starters, that's nine. I can't see us carrying more than eight. That would only give us 12 position players and if Wieters can't catch much, but DH's at the beginning, we probably carry an extra catcher.

[mdbdotcom]

DD never stops working the roster. That's one thing that sets him apart.

[Aristotelian]

I think it is more than set. The question is who gets traded. Webb and Matusz are expendable.

[backwardsk]

Good thread. You've listed 9 guys for 7-8 spots. Plus you have 2 rule V guys. You also have guys like Berry, Wright, and Wilson who could conceivably help. Competition is good. Will Brach and Webb have options in 2015? It's going to be tough if they all have to stay on the roster.

[Crazysilver03]

Good thread. You've listed 9 guys for 7-8 spots. Plus you have 2 rule V guys. You also have guys like Berry, Wright, and Wilson who could conceivably help. Competition is good. Will Brach and Webb have options in 2015? It's going to be tough if they all have to stay on the roster.

Remember, there is a sticky thread with option year information up top.

Webb and Brach are out of options. And of course the two Rule 5 guys can't be optioned (unless their rights are acquired in a trade).

This would seem like a good time to trade Webb and/or Matusz to save payroll and open up space to give other players a try. I would rather Gamboa/Drake/Berry/rule 5 guy 1/rule 5 guy 2 get some experience this year as the 6th and or 7th guys.

Especially with Chen, Norris, O'Day, Hunter, and Webb free agents next year and maybe Matusz too.

[25 Nuggets]

So here's what we're looking at, I think:

1. Zach Britton - opening day closer. I think it's a matter of time before Britton goes the way of Jim Johnson, but until then, his sinkerball will continue to be effective. Possible all-star.

2. Tommy Hunter - the guy doesn't seem to have the fortitude to close but as the 8th inning man, he could repeat his 2013 season: 0.985 WHIP, 7.4 H/9, 1.5 BB/9, 7.1 K/9. He also improved on his HR/9 in 2014 (0.6 from 1.1) and was a wrecking ball the second half of the season.

3. Darren O'Day - I'm a little concerned he may be past his peak. But he's still one of the best relievers of his generation.

Those three are 7-8-9. They're better than anyone else we have. And they're still a really good back end.

4. Ryan Webb - he's consistent, he's still young; should have another fine season.

5. Wesley Wright - considering the team targeted him last year, I assume he's the #2 lefty in the pen, but I think he could be a weak link.

6. T.J. McFarland - the long man and spot starter, and third lefty in the pen. I think his spot is more secure than those below because the 6th starter is likely to be right handed.

7. Brad Brach - good pitcher, still walks a lot of batters, but when he's on his H/9 is under 7.0. Not a lock because of that #6 starter.

8. Logan Verrett - Duquette really likes to try to keep those Rule 5 picks, but it's going to be hard for him to squeeze in.

9. Brian Matusz - I'm not sure why they tendered him... is he even tradable?

Unless one of our starters is traded, only three of those guys are going to make the 25-man roster. It's a tough choice but that's how I see it. There won't be any more relievers signed unless they have an option.