[Lefty Noob]

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen has blown 10 saves this season, and aside from closer David Weathers (who has 14 saves), the team really seems to lack quality, consistant relievers. "It doesn't matter if they're a rookie or a veteran, they've got to get the job done no matter the situation," Cincy manager Jerry Narron told the Cincinnati Post on June 21. "I'm just not sure at times if they pitch the same way if we're ahead or behind, but they've got to get the job done regardless of the situation... We just need to get some big outs late in the ballgame when we need them from someone other than David Weathers." So, how do they find that guy?

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen has blown 10 saves this season, and aside from closer David Weathers (who has 14 saves), the team really seems to lack quality, consistant relievers. "It doesn't matter if they're a rookie or a veteran, they've got to get the job done no matter the situation," Cincy manager Jerry Narron told the Cincinnati Post on June 21. "I'm just not sure at times if they pitch the same way if we're ahead or behind, but they've got to get the job done regardless of the situation... We just need to get some big outs late in the ballgame when we need them from someone other than David Weathers." So, how do they find that guy?

It is not just them blowing saves. I have seen several games that the reds were behind and came fighting back only to have the bullpen come in and put the game out of reach. I am not used to this. For all the bad years the Reds have had, they at least had a decent pen.

I am not sure how to fix this problem either. Earlier in the year, I was blaming Narron for the way he was using them. He would fall in love with one releiver and use him up. Now(I still think he should be fired) I know he is not totally to blame. He has no choice in who he has to use. They keep recycling the same pitchers. How many times is Santos, Coffey, and Salmon going to get a chance in the bullpen only to blow it. I would keep calling up anybody that is hot in AAA ball until somebody started throwing some strikes and getting outs.

[azrael492]

It has been a while since the Reds bullpen has compelled me to write about them again. They are still awful, but I came to terms with that until Saturday in the 8th inning. The Marlins had their first 9 players reach base, scoring 8. Saarloos, Coutlangus, and Coffey could not get one out. Ricky Stone came in and finished up for them. This was a bad day even for them

Mackanin on the bullpen.

“We’re going to have to make some adjustments with the guys,” he said. “I don't know if they’re mechanical adjustments, mental adjustments. The players have to figure it out.”

Or, Mackanin added, new players will be here.

“There’s always a possibility of that,” Mackanin said. “This is not development here. We’re trying to win every game. Players audition every day.”

"Everybody's got pressure. It's a pressure-filled game. That's what competitors do: When they're under pressure, they perform. So, of course, on a daily basis you're under a lot of pressure. You have to perform. If you're performing under pressure, someone else is."

Welcome to the Reds Mackanin.

[Lefty Noob]

Hey, why not try some new faces. Call up some kids and let them see if they can't do better. What have the Reds got to lose?

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Hey, why not try some new faces. Call up some kids and let them see if they can't do better. What have the Reds got to lose?

I would bring up a few, but that is what they have been trying to an extent. Coutlangus is a new face this year. They tried Salmon, and they have Rick Stone now too....although stone is not young. I think they ought to bring up some of their young starters and let them get big league experience out of the pen. They could not do any worse. That is how Minnesota started Santana. He was middle relief for a few seasons then made starter. It hasn't turned out too badly for him.