Spring Training brings out the eternal optimist in baseball fans. The contests are hard to follow because the players are coming and going after the completion of the first couple of innings. Everyone is working diligently in preparation for Opening Day. However, some in-game appearances offer a sneak peek into what the future might hold.
The Padres’ biggest strength is their bullpen
If Major League Baseball adopted the National Hockey League’s stars of the game award. The San Diego bullpen would be the No. 1 star on most nights. Perhaps it is time we admit this is the best ‘pen in baseball.
The bullpen is looking good of late in Spring Training outings. They seem poised to dominate the final three innings of games with an arsenal of high-leverage arms.
Mason Miller is returning to the closer’s role after working as the set-up man to Robert Suarez following his acquisition in a trade deadline deal. Why not? The Friar Faithful were in awe of his fastball command.
He posted a 0.77 ERA in 22 appearances. Miller allowed seven hits, two earned runs, and walked 10 batters, while striking out 45 in 23.1 innings pitched. His performance helped the Padres earn a postseason berth in the Wild Card round.
Behind Miller is a quality group of set-up relievers. Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada are high-leverage options that can shut down potential scoring threats. Each has a repertoire that gains plenty of swing and misses from batters, and leaves runners stranded in scoring position.
Let’s not forget Wandy Peralta, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriquez provide much-needed bullpen depth. First-year manager Craig Stammen’s task is to identify each reliever’s role that helps the Friars win games.
What is the rotation’s role in the bullpen’s success?
No question, having quality relievers is instrumental to securing a winning record. Opposing teams understand that if they’re going to score runs, it better happen early in the game. A bullpen’s success begins and ends with the need for a functional starting rotation.
Michael King is the No. 1 starter, with Randy Vasquez ready to unlock his potential as a starting pitcher. He is throwing his fastball near 98 MPH in Spring Training outings. Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove need to have solid starts, nothing spectacular. Finally, with all the candidates that gathered in Peoria, Ariz. the Padres should be able to find a serviceable fifth starter.
Continuous poor outings by the rotation could ruin the formula. No team can afford to burn out their bullpen before the All-Star break.
Petco Park should be electric in the late innings of close games. There is nothing like watching a quality bullpen navigate through a potential scoring rally to lock down a victory.
The Padres might be on the right path to the postseason.