Now that the season is upon us we can start to make more informed decisions. We have a general idea of what rotations may look like and which teams are considering leaning on their bullpens more heavily. It still involves a good pinch of guesswork but with waivers opening, we’ll need to jump to some conclusions. Good luck in your sprint seasons.
- With two of the Rays first three series against the City-To-Be-Determined Blue Jays and then the Orioles they make an excellent wins mining source. Ryan Yarborough and Jalen Beeks filled the meatier middle relief roles last year.
- We get our first saves rodeo of the year in Pittsburgh as Keona Kela is unavailable to start the season (shocker). Kyle Crick will be the priority add but don’t sleep on Richard Rodriguez. RichRod can be nasty at times and the Pirates may value Crick’s stability in a setup role.
- The Padres rotation screams early exit after Chris Paddack. The most interesting arms in their pen are lefties Drew Pomeranz and Matt Strahm. Both guys are capable of going multiple innings and getting some Ks to boot. The Padres are also starting the year off with the Diamondback, Giants, and Rockies on tap.
- Drafters are pretty much leaving Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier for dead after both underwhelmed in 2019. The thing is, Boston did nothing to fortify neither their bullpen nor rotation. That very likely means both guys find themselves in a fireman’s role. They can offer a pretty nice K/9 along with that.
- The Giants and Dodgers are the only four-game series opening week. Both sides could yield unexpected saves, though I’d prefer LA arms. Kenley Jansen had COVID a few weeks ago so we aren’t really sure how ready he will be to go back to back or three of four. Blake Treinen was signed just for such an occasion. They also have a good amount of unfounded faith in Joe Kelly.
- Roman Quinn is a great speed add. The Phillies are going to see plenty of LHPs with Caleb Smith likely to go for the Marlins in their opening series and then four games with their home and home against the Yankees’ lefty-heavy rotation. Quinn should be splitting time with Adam Hasely who’s had a funky 2020 (who hasn’t) with concussions and a missing COVID test.
