Relievers

The Jays have made a few good moves in the past weeks leading up to the new year but there is still a couple of big holes. There is a bit of an issue up the middle and a gaping hole in the bullpen. For now I’d like to look at the relief pitching situation and the 2 new relievers that the Jays picked up just before Christmas. First, Scott Barnes, who the Rangers picked up off of the Orioles waiver wire and immediately designated for assignment, is a 27 year old lefty with a career ERA of 5.20 in 27.2 innings in the bigs. Second is Preston Guilmet who played in 10 games with Baltimore in 2014 with a career ERA of 6.89 in 15.2 innings pitched at the show. After moving to Pittsburgh the Jays grabbed this 27 year old RHP off waivers.

Now that we know the facts here’s the question. WHY? The Jays have a hole that needs to be filled in their bullpen. AA himself has said it publicly, and we all know this but how do these 2 guys help in any way? The Jays just picked up 2 27 year old minor league relievers for what looks like no good reason. The point of your bullpen is to shut down 3 to 6 batters and get to your closer. The Royals did an amazing job in the 2014 season creating 6 inning games. If the opposition couldn’t get to their starter the game was over by the start of the 7^th. They had three guys who could come out with 3 up 3 down ball and walk off the field winners. The 6 inning game is the way to the playoffs. Signing two relievers with ERA’s over 5 and 6 respectively is not the way there. Unless this is some part of a bigger plan that we don’t know about to package them up and get a star closer (which seems unlikely) why do we have these guys? I don’t want to go off on a rant about what Alex is doing because I do like some of the other moves made in this off season but these two are beyond me. All I can say is we’ll see.

If anyone has some insight into this that I don’t know about please fill me in down in the comment section.

Cheers.

The first pitchers and catchers report in 40 days!!!