In 2012, Aroldis Chapman threw 71.2 thrilling innings out of the bullpen for Cincinnati with 38 saves, an absurd 122 strike outs and a 1.51 ERA with an equally (and likely more) impressive 1.55 FIP. In 2013, or at least at this point in the middle of spring training, Aroldis is still slated to be in the Rotation for the Reds which certainly changes the bullpen landscape. Whether Aroldis stays in the rotation or ends up back in pen will largely depend on his early results, health, the effectiveness of the rest of the bullpen and Dusty Baker. I don’t think I’m the only baseball fan who drools at the thought of 200 innings from the Cuban Missile, so let’s hope he stays in the rotation while we talk about the Reds bullpen. 

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After being one of the most productive relievers and setup men for several years (without really using a fastball) Sergio Romo and his incredible slider were finally slotted into the closing role at the end of last season. After 14 saves, a 1.79 ERA on the year and a World Series title, it’s safe to say it was a smooth and successful transition.

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• Andrew Bailey wasn’t too effective this evening, letting five batters reach base and giving up two runs en route to a blown save against the Yankees. In fact, since returning to the Red Sox from surgery on his thumb Bailey hasn’t really pitched well with a 5.05 xFIP in 15.1 innings pitched thus far. However, with only one game remaining in the season, I don’t think Bailey is in danger of losing his job in 2012 and should receive a save opportunity if one arises tomorrow night. Also, based on the Red Sox roster, it should be Bailey’s job to lose in 2013.

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Sorry for the lack of a Bullpen Report last night but I’m here to catch up on the latest and greatest news in bullpens around the league. Also, for those who it applies, wishing you an easy fast.

•  Although there wasn’t a save situation last night, Tyler Clippard pitched in the eighth inning with Drew Storen finishing the game in the ninth and it now looks as if that is the preferred order for Nationals manager Davey Johnson. Tyler Clippard might still see some save opportunities but Storen has been lights out of late, only giving up one earned run in his last 18 appearances, while striking out 15 in 16 innings pitched. Considering Storen’s history (success as closer last year) and Clippard’s recent struggles, I expect this change to continue for the rest of the season provided Storen keeps pitching well.

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Apologies for a shorter Bullpen Report tonight, but here’s the latest…

• Out since late August after suffering from an irregular heartbeat, Kenley Jansen is now cleared to play for the Dodgers.  Jansen will need to have offseason surgery but he’s now able to play for the rest of this season and should immediately take over the closer’s role from Brandon League. When healthy, Jansen and his terrific stirkeout ability (13.66 K/9) make him one of the best closers in fantasy baseball – make sure he’s active on your roster and/or pick him up if he’s available in your league.

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L’Shana Tova and wishing everyone a sweet new year, at least as far as your fantasy team’s relievers are concerned…

•  After going all of last season without blowing a save, Jose Valverde blew his fifth save of the year last night, raising his ERA to 3.77. That ERA isn’t so terrible but behind it is a horrid 5.10 xFIP. Valverde has never been a control pitcher but his ability to miss bats at least made him respectable, if you are able to dismiss his celebrations of course. However, after posting strikeout rates of 8.59 K/9 or above for his entire career, Valverde’s strike out rate has dropped to 6.39 K/9 this season. Jim Leyland is a loyal guy and nothing has been said about a potential closing change, but in the midst of a playoff race you have to wonder if Leyland will want to go down with a sinking ship. We will be sure to monitor this situation, and teams in need of saves might want to take a look at Joaquin Benoit.
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• After his second poor appearance in a row Dusty Baker was concerned with Aroldis Chapman’s velocity down and now the Reds are going to give Chapman a few days off to “rest his tired pitching shoulder.”  Chapman, whose average fastball velocity is 98 mph this year, only hit 96 mph on the radar gun last night. As ridiculous as that might sound for any other pitcher, it is definitely a cause for concern for the Reds. With Chapman resting, Jonathan Broxton received the save tonight and he should be a must add as he is the preferred replacement for Chapman.

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• With Jonathan Papelbon unavailable tonight, the Phillies used Antonio Bastardo for the save tonight against the Marlins. Bastardo isn’t likely to receive many (if any) save opportunities for the rest of the season (or next), but it’s worth noting he’s pitched better than his 4.57 ERA would indicate. Bastardo has elite strikeout ability and with a 3.29 xFIP Bastardo is still one of the highly touted set-up men as we expected early in the season and he could even help out some of your ratios.
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Hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend but it’s now time to get back to work, or at least talk about those bullpens…

• Last we spoke the Dodgers were not sure about Kenley Jansen and his irregular heartbeat. Now, after seeing another heart specialist today, the Dodgers hope Jansen will “be able to pitch again by Sept. 17.” This is obviously good news considering Jansen might have needed to miss the rest of the season but there is no guarantee he’s able to pitch at towards the end of September, especially with surgery awaiting him soon.

As far as his replacement  is concerned, both Brandon League and Ronald Belisario are sharing the duties at the moment. Brandon League has previous closing experience and although he’s struggled a bit this season, he’s also showed improvement of late having pitching in eight consecutive appearances without giving up a run, striking out 13 in nine innings pitched. Belisario is having a solid season himself pitching to a 3.06 xFIP, so the situation is certainly unsettled without an official announcement being made. However, if I have to choose between the two, I’d grab League over Belisario.

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• After eight consecutive scoreless innings, Francisco Rodriguez imploded today blowing the save against the Cubs. K-Rod received the save opportunity because John Axford was unavailable and he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity, only recording one out in the ninth before letting five consecutive batters reach base en route to three runs, his seventh loss and his seventh blown save of the season. It’s hard to say with any conviction who is in line to set up for the Brewers but with everyone around him imploding, John Axford is definitely the guy to own in Milwaukee.
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