was solid despite having some injuries
and let downs.
Andre Munoz had another solid year
though he had to deal with back issues.
Unfortunately the Mariners didn't have
anyone to take his spot in the ninth
inning when he wasn't available. Trent Thornton had the most success and he
had more value in the 7th and 8th
innings. Speaking of Thornton he
had a one year contract so not sure
he will be back or not.
The Mariners are hoping to have a
healthy Matt Brash in the coming
season although he may start the
season on the injured list. Most likely
he will be the setup man for Munoz on
.most occasions. The Mariners will
use Munoz when facing the middle
of the lineup even when not the 9th
inning which gives more reason to
have Brash back too. The same goes
for Gregory Santos if he returns healthy.
Those would be a good threesome.
The Mariners acquired Yimi Garcia
from Toronto for the playoff run
however he got injured. He will be
a free agent so likely won't be back.
Colin Snider who spent some time
at Tacoma became a big surprise
and had a solid time in the bullpen.
He ended the season pitching late
in games as did Troy Taylor who
came up in September. Both can
be valuable next season taking the
soot of Thornton if he doesn't return
and they can be used late in games
again. That takes care of five of the
Mariners eight spots in the bullpen.
The Mariners had looked at Gabe Speier
and Tayler Saucedo as the two lefties in the bullpen however Tayler was the only one
with some success. He did quite well
against lefties however not quite against
righties. A problem if you come in with
less than two outs or a pinch hitter is
used. Speier had injuries and spent time
in Tacoma. I don't expect him back. The Mariners likely to find another lefty.
Whether the Mariners have one or two
lefties will leave two spots remaining.
The Mariners hope to fill both spots
better than last season though Austin
Voth had a surprise season. Voth
a former Washington Huskies pitcher
may like to continue his stay. The
Mariners will likely to see who may
fill the eighth spot outside the organization
or see if there is another minor league
pitcher who fits the bill like Troy Taylor.
I am sure we will see what happens
and they will look to sign a few to
begin in Tacoma as well. The bullpen
should be exciting next season. We
will update later in the year and closer
to spring training.
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