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Baltimore Orioles: 4 proposals to fix the Orioles’ imploding bullpen

By Nate Wardle

May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) takes the ball to relieve relief pitcher Alec Asher (51) in the 11th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) takes the ball to relieve relief pitcher Alec Asher (51) in the 11th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Darren O’Day (56) pitches against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Darren O’Day (56) pitches against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Establish Darren O’Day as the closer

Brad Brach has been an excellent set-up guy for several years now. But it is clear that he is struggling as the closer.

Take the pressure off the younger pitcher and put it on the back of a veteran who you are paying closer money.

Sure, O’Day hasn’t exactly been a mark of consistency this year. And his penchant for getting hurt over the last year plus is concerning.

But, O’Day has a mentality that fits a closer. He is a leader and is a guy who is going to be aggressive. Generally, I would say Brach pitches aggressively too.

But, in watching his recent appearances, he seems to be doing the always dangerous nibbling in the case of allowing big hits, or worse, home runs. In turn, he is constantly behind hitters who set them up to do just what he is preventing.

O’Day also has the sidearm style that can help him deceive the hitter. Think of some of the best closers. They either have pinpoint control, throw incredibly fast, or are deceptive in their delivery. With Brach’s control gone, he doesn’t have any of these traits. O’Day does.

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