Frank Francisco looks to lead a retooled Rangers' bullpen. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)(For Those Who Didn't Catch It Earlier This Week, Here Is The Starting Pitching Preview)
One thing is almost always true in baseball: in order to get to the playoffs, you have to have a good bullpen. Last year, the Texas Rangers had a strong bullpen with a 3.83 ERA and only 13 blown saves (second-best in the AL). Texas has made some changes this year with last year's setup man C.J. Wilson moving to the starting rotation and former Rangers' starter Darren Oliver and for Orioles closer Chris Ray taking his place.
Here's a look at who is projected to be in the pen and their prospective roles.
The Closer:
Frank Francisco (R): Last Year's Stats: 2-3, 51 Games, 3.83 ERA, 25 Saves (25 Chances) This Spring: 0-0, Five Games, 3.60 ERA, 7 K in 5 innings pitched.
Analysis: The former set-up man played relatively well in 2009 - when he was healthy. Last season, his first as the closer, Francisco finished with 25 saves - 10th in the American League. However, he was on the disabled list three times last season, so durability is a concern, and Texas no longer has C.J. Wilson (14 saves last season) as a safety net. The Rangers were the only team in the American League with two players with 10 or more saves last season.
30+ saves is not out of the question for Francisco, if he can stay healthy. He has a nice fast-ball and uses it well to blow hitters away. If Francisco struggles, I could see Neftali Feliz taking over as closer.
Set-Up Men:
Chris Ray (R): Last Year's Stats: 0-4, 46 Games, 7.27 ERA, 0-3 in Save Situations This Spring: 0-0, Six games, 1.59 ERA, One Save
Darren Oliver (L): Last Year's Stats: 5-1, 63 Games, 2.71 ERA, 20 Holds This Spring: 0-0, 8 Innings, 0.00 ERA, .143 opponent batting average.
Neftali Feliz (R): Last Year's Stats: 1-0, 20 Games, 1.74 ERA, Two Saves This Spring: 0-1, Five Games, 12.00 ERA, 12 K's in 9 innings pitched.
Darren O'Day (R): Last Year's Stats: 2-1, 64 Games, 1.84 ERA, Two Saves This Spring: 0-0, Two Games, 3.00 ERA
Analysis: Ray is the newcomer from Baltimore and, while scouts say he has some pretty good pitches at his disposal, he hasn't exactly shown much in the last two seasons. Although, it seems he has won the primary set-up man role with a solid spring training. His first two seasons his ERA was in the 2's, including a 33 save season in 2006. He's played well in the spring but if he falters there are others in the bullpen who could take his job.
Darren Oliver has been a model of consistency since go from starter to reliever four seasons ago. During that time, Oliver has posted a 3.20 ERA and in the last two season's his ERA is 2.79. He had 20 holds last season, tied for ninth in the AL with Darren O'Day. Should be a steadying force in the bullpen and provide another quality pitcher for an already good bunch of relievers.
Neftali Feliz will continue to be groomed as a starter, but may be the closer or set-up man if either Francisco or Ray struggle or are injured. Feliz can top 102 mph on the radar gun and showed last season with 14 strikeouts in first 5.2 innings pitched. Pitcher of the future for Texas.
O'Day was the set-up man a good amount last season and played extremely well. 20 holds, two saves, had 54 K's in 55 innings pitched and opponents hit only .188 against him. Another solid pitcher in the bullpen.
Middle Relief/Situational:
Dustin Nippert (R): Last Year's Stats: 5-3, 20 Games (10 starts), 3.88 ERA This Spring: 0-0, Five Games, 0.00 ERA, 10 K in 12 innings pitched.
Doug Mathis (R): Last Year's Stats: 0-1, 24 Games, 3.16 ERA, One Save This Spring: 0-0, Nine Games, 3.86 ERA
Analysis: Each of these guy's have starting experience in the Majors and should be able to handle long-relief if a starter struggles. Dustin Nippert spent time in the starting rotation last season due to injuries and played pretty well.
2010 Outlook:
While their bullpen was pretty good last season, it may be even better this year. With some of the younger guys beginning to get it and veterans like Darren Oliver mentoring some of these guys, Texas may have one of the best bullpens in the American League when it's all said and done. The loss of C.J. Wilson will hurt, but if the starters can continue to give the bullpen rest I see no reason why this isn't a play-off caliber pen'.
(Position Players, Batting Order, and Season Outlook Coming Soon)
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