Astros- Call to the Pen

Yesterday I went over Houston’s suspect rotation, so today I’m going to focus on the bullpen.  It’s no secret that games are won and lost in late innings, and having solid relief pitching, especially with just a so-so starting rotation, is crucial.

Jose Valverde is an electric closer.  He has an excellent fastball. a good strikeout rate,  and has saved over 40 games each of the last two years. His ERA last year was a little high for a closer, but playing in Houston, a hitters’ park, certainly played a factor.

Setting up Valverde, the Astros have options with Hawkins, currently playing for Team USA in the WBC, Brocail, Byrdak, Geary, and Wright, a rookie last season.  Brocail is solid, earning almost 1 strikeout per inning last year, and Wright showed a lot of promise last year, but posted a poor ERA, as many rookie relievers do. Hawkins was lights out last year after coming over from the Yankies, posting a ridiculous .43 ERA through 21 innings with the Stros. Look for him to establish himself as the premiere set up man for Valverde.

All in all, the bullpen will have  high WHIP and above average ERA, but with most having a good fastball and good strike out rates, we should be able to give Valverde a chance to close out the win more often than not.

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