2009 AL East Contenders Bullpen Analysis: Where Do the Yankees Stand?

Rays Bullpen Grade: B Tampa Bay has unquestionable depth in the middle relief, with JP Howell and deadline acquisition Chad Bradford coming off of the best seasons of their careers. Grant Balfour also exploded onto the scene with 82 strikeouts in only 58 1/3 IP, as well as a 0.89 WHIP. Even Dan Wheeler was finally able to put together a solid season in the American League. Wheeler, Bradford, and recent free agent signing Brian Shouse will provide an important veteran presence within a very young pitching staff. Another interesting dynamic affecting the bullpen is the starting rotation’s tendency to not go deep into games. Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza, and Andy Sonnanstine combined to leave 40 starts before the end of the sixth inning in 2008. Adding a rookie to the rotation in David Price will only add to this problem. That is a lot of extra innings for a bullpen to throw without breaking down. The Rays also have no dependable option for the ninth inning. If any baseball fans question ... (link)