Rays Bullpen Delivers

The Tampa Bay Rays began rebuilding their inadequate bullpen during the summer of 2007. Gone were the likes of Shawn Camp, Chad Orvella and many other forgotten names that had struggled frequently. Incoming, from various places, were Dan Wheeler, Trevor Miller, and Troy Percival among others.

The results have been nothing short of phenomenal so far in 2008.

In 2007, the Rays bullpen may have approached the American League's all time worst performance for a collective unit. Blown saves, bases loaded walks, and ill-timed home runs all plagued a bullpen that finished with a season ending ERA of 6.16. Opposing batters didn't need any supplemental help when facing the Rays pen, as they hit at a .295 clip for the year.

The difference in performance for 2008 is off the charts.

Work fast, throw strikes, and keep the ball in play are all themes being executed by this unit. Middle relievers such as J P Howell and Scott Dohmann have been solid performers thus far.

Gary Glover and Trevor Miller have been plus pitchers in most situations they have been thrown into. Last year, the Rays did not even carry a single lefty reliever to start the season. Now, with two, there are options for Joe Maddon to use during games.

Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival have added quality and so far, perfection, to the end of games.

This year, after 22 games, the bullpen ERA has dropped to 2.39 for the season. Opposing batters are hitting just .213 against the Rays relievers. Consistency has been the key for their success.

The bullpen has allowed only 10 hits in 54 first at bats in 2008. Rays relievers are once again reaffirming the point that it is far easier to pitch ahead in the count and without men on base than it is otherwise.

How long this goes on at the current level of performance remains to be seen, but the bullpen is finally pitching at a legitimate major league level. All the while, bailing out a starting staff that has been missing two of it's first three starters for much of April.

As this Rays team begins it's rise through the standings, the success of the bullpen is an absolute for an especially young pitching staff and team. Now, can the starters, when healthy, return the favor?

Time will tell.