The Outstanding Bullpen Strength of the Baltimore Orioles

The Next Wave of Bullpen Arms in the System

MASN writer Steve Melewski yesterday wrote a thoughtful analysis of the Orioles minor league system, arguing that it is not as bereft of talent as is often written and presumed. He did not focus much on relief pitchers, but there are some viable options there, along with current starters who will likely end up as relievers when getting to the MLB level.

Andrew Triggs — Here is a player on the rise. He had numbers in the minors that were equal to Mychal Givens. Could he too have done that in Baltimore? We wrote an article on this interesting prospect not long ago.

Jason Garcia — It was a challenge to get this Rule 5 draftee through the season. There were some very hairy moments early in the year. He had a 5.93 ERA in eight games before the DL injury. But in 13 games back with the Orioles late in the season, his ERA was 2.81 with a batting average against of 2.22.  Garcia did well in the Arizona League, and he may well prove to have been worth the draft.

Oliver Drake — Everyone would like to see the former Naval Academy pitcher do well, and why not? He had a 2.87 ERA in 13 games with the Orioles, but gave up too many walks. That was not really a huge problem in Norfolk where he registered a 0.82 ERA in 44 games. Drake had Betances-like numbers there with 13.5 strikeouts per 9 innings.

C.J. Riefenhauser — Coming from Seattle in the Clevenger / Trumbo deal, his 24 games at the MLB level have been painful with a 6.30 ERA.  He does have a career 2.15 ERA at the AAA level, so there is some talent to work with. He is a lefty.

Pedro Beato — He has pitched 94 career innings in 83 games for the Mets, Red Sox and Braves, but has never stuck in the majors. With Norfolk in 2015, the 6’6” Dominican had a 2.65 ERA in 63 games and 74.1 innings.

Tanner Scott — This is the left-hander who throws 100 mph. That is worth a long, long look from Fresh Eyes or whoever else the O’s can get to work with him. He’s only age 21. Scott’s first 28 games in the minors are not impressive, but he performed very well in eight games in Arizona.

Next: Orioles fans weary of the Davis saga

OVERALL — This was one of the most fun articles to write in a long time. There are so many positives and strengths to talk about. Unlike other elements of the Orioles (who will be at first base, right field, in the rotation?) this is a collection of strong assets that is very encouraging.