Much of the bullpen is pretty well set. Returning relievers RH Jared Hughes (1.96 ERA, 1.09 WHIP), LH Tony Watson (1.63 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) and RH Mark Melancon (1.90 ERA, 0.87 WHIP) all posted ERAs under 2. Mark the Shark converted 33 of 37 save opportunities, too as he and Watson earned All-Star nods. New to the bullpen will be LH Antonio Bastardo by way of Philly. Bastardo brings with him a 5-7 record with a 3.97 ERA from last season. However, he did fan 81 batters in 64 innings.
The remaining 1 or 2 spots in the bullpen will be up for grabs with some intriguing competition. RH John Holdzkom looks to show that his rise from minor league oblivion to MLB was no fluke. The 6' 7" righthander is looking to build off of the 9 innings pitched in which he struck out 14 opponents for a .133 BA. RH Radhames Liz is said to have electric stuff. He looks to stick with the big league club after bouncing around the Majors, the minors and the KBO the last few years. He is expected to be another Pirates reclaimation project as the Bucs pitching gurus hope to harness his big arm and turn into into another weapon out of the 'pen. LH Bobby LaFromboise is another pitcher hoping to build off of last season's opportunity in Pittsburgh. The problem is the Pirates aren't expected to carry more than two lefties in the bullpen.
The Bucs also need an arm out of the 'pen that can give them a spot start or go long relief. Candidates for that role are RHs Stolmy Pimentel, Casey Sadler and Brandon Cumpton. None have really been impressive in this role for the Buccos. Mrs. Black-N-Gold did appreciate Cumpton's efforts in a starting role for the Pirates the past few seasons.
The back end of the bullpen looks strong, the Pirates just need to plug a few leaks and the Shark Tank can perform swimmingly again, as the Pirates sail to the NL Central Division title and the World Series. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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