Bullpen Report: April 9, 2015
The Toronto Blue Jays set their bullpen to shuffle mode just three games into the ‘15 season. Brett Cecil’s dip in velocity started this mess for fantasy owners, but there’s a good chance that Cecil is just building up arm strength since he missed a few weeks in the Spring with shoulder soreness. The left-hander’s fourseamer sat in the 87 mph range on Wednesday night — down from a 94 mph average in ‘14 — but jumped back up to over 91 mph in Thursday’s outing in the Bronx against the Yankees. Cecil faced one over the minimum in Thursday’s appearance, surrendered a free pass and induced a pair of strikeouts on 14 pitches (nine strikes) to earn a hold.
But while Cecil continues to get himself into game shape, it appears as if youngster Miguel Castro will be the ninth-inning guy. He already has three innings on the bump in this opening week of baseball, has yet to allow a hit or a walk and owns two strikeouts along with a save. If you’re in a league where Castro is available, it’s probably in your best interest to grab him for the saves while you can, but be cautious with who you drop or how much FAAB you choose to spend since this situation seems to be a bit fluid. You shouldn’t be sending Cecil or any other closer to the wire in favor of the 20-year-old Castro at this time, rather I’d be looking for one of the lowest starting pitchers or bench bats to let loose if needed. And I’d also be looking to add shares of Cecil depending on the cost.
Earlier in the day, Greg Holland picked up his second save of the season in a 4-1 Royals victory over the White Sox. Holland needed only 10 pitches to retire the White Sox in order via two strikeouts and a ground out. He’s just two innings into his ‘15 campaign, but the 29-year-old seems to be missing that extra gear on his fastball thus far. In 2014 Holland averaged more than 96 mph on his fourseamer and in his two appearances this year, there’s about two miles per hour missing on that same offering. Not suggesting anything is wrong — he could be just getting himself more into game shape, like Cecil above — this is just something to keep an eye, especially if own stock.
Santiago Casilla notched his third save of the year on Thursday in just the fourth game the Giants have played. He came on in the bottom of the 12th frame and needed just ten pitches to retire the Padres in order and seal the victory for the Giants. Casilla fanned one Friar en route to his 61st career save.
Shameless plug: I’ll be kicking off my middle relievers column late tomorrow (I hope), discussing arms that could be useful in your holds or sold (saves+holds) leagues — something like a waiver wire, I suppose. So please keep your eyes peeled for that.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
In addition to contributing to the RotoGraphs blog, you can find Alan at his own site, TheFantasyFix.com and follow his nonsense on Twitter @TheFantasyFix.
Where do you see Osuna in the Jays pen?
Last night they used him as a bit of long relief. I have heard from fans in Toronto that they eventually want to move him into a starter roll; he is filthy and has some EXCELLENT pitches, from what I understand. Also believe Gibbons has gushed about Castro quite frequently, so I believe that Castro has dibs on the closer, with Cecil and Osuna used as set-ups, with Cecil being the stronger side of that equation.
If you have FanGraphs+ (and you really should; well worth the money!), there is a GREAT article about this situation that they just posted. Here is the link:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-upside-and-downside-of-torontos-young-relievers/#more-183009
Thanks! I’ve got him on a couple teams right now, wouldn’t mind seeing how his stuff plays as a starter eventually. I’m torn on if I want to see him get a crack at closing because of that