Mar 11, 2014; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher
Brian Matusz
(17) pitches during the fourth inning at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Will the Orioles bullpen be an upgrade over 2013?
As reliable as the bullpen was in 2012, it went the other direction in 2013. Expecting relievers to accomplish what the group did two years ago is to desire a very rare level of performance.
However, there is reason to hope the pen will be better than last season.
At this point, there are five “locks” to be part of the bullpen (discounting the trade of anyone) … Zach Britton,Brian Matusz, Ryan Webb, Tommy Hunter, and Darren O’Day.
The final two spots look to go toJosh Stinson– who has performed well and is out of options – and Alfredo Aceves.
It would be nice to be able to find a way to keep nearby a couple of others in the organization – likeBrad BrachandEvan Meekfor example.
Suk-min Yoon will begin at Norfolk, being assigned there yesterday, though too much money has been spent to have the former Korean star stashed there for long.
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