Thursday, August 7, 2008

Season 8 Big League Recap: RPs

We continue our Season 8 Recap by giving hi-fives to possibly the most productive members of the Honolulu squad, the relief pitchers.

Opening Day Bullpen _______________Season Ending Bullpen
Mop: Joseph Tanaka ___________________Mop: Dave Dorsey
LR: Brett Rogers ______________________Mop: Juan Ortiz
LR: Scott Sheldon _____________________LR: Tanaka
SU: Matt Mullaney ____________________LR: Sheldon
SU: Dave Griffith _____________________SU: Mullaney
SU: Donald Choi ______________________SU: Griffith
CL: Jimmie Mateo ____________________SU: Choi
____________________________________CL: Mateo

Honolulu's bullpen is led by their backend - setupmen Matt Mullaney, Donald Choi and Dave Griffith, along with closer Jimmie Mateo. The four combined for a 3.59ERA, 1.20WHIP and 32 saves in 253IP.

The waiver wire brought Juan Ortiz from Columbus and also caused the move of veteran Brett Rogers to the minors. Ortiz was an enigma through most of the year - a player with average or below average ratings who pitched very effectively. In 48 combined games he posted a 2.90ERA and converted 16/18 save opportunities. Surprisingly, he struck out 32 while only walking 7.

Overall Grade: B+
This Grade Would've Improved If...Mateo didn't blow three big games late in the season. He had a great year, but proved a real burden late in the season.