Baltimore Orioles: 2014 Season Grades – Relief Pitchers

The hits just keep on coming with this review of Orioles relievers. And I don’t mean “hits” like base hits – that is what used to happen in Baltimore with the bullpen. Not anymore.

Darren O’Day simply had a fantastic season in 2014 with a 5-2 record and ERA of 1.70 in 68 games and 68.2 innings pitched. It almost seemed like he was out there every day. He too has a totally sick WHIP of 0.89.

Again, the following is not based upon any first-hand knowledge or insider information. It is rather the preponderance of the evidence of so many people saying it that it must be true: O’Day is the leader of the staff in the bullpen. He is the true “baseball guy” who is watching and talking and keeping the focus on what is happening. O’Day is going to be in the game of baseball even after his playing days are over.

But let’s step back and look not only at this season, but also at the combined three years with the Orioles. He is 17-6 with a 2.05 ERA in 198 innings of work. The combined WHIP is 0.941 and opponents have hit .200 against him.

This is a pitcher to keep around.