Dodgers Spring Training: No ‘Pecking Order’ In Bullpen Yet
The bullpen for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a constant topic of conversation since its’ implosion in the NLDS.
Although Clayton Kershaw took two of the three losses in the series, many blamed the bullpen for manager Don Mattingly’s decision to stick with the MVP when it appeared that it was time to be changed. This winter, the team made a few moves to improve the bullpen and a few that could turn out to be steals.
With so many new arms and faces in camp, Mattingly laid down the plan for the spring via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:
Mattingly on all the bullpen options in camp: "I don’t know if we have a pecking order honestly. I think we have a lot of new faces" (CONT)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 23, 2015
Mattingly (cont): "guys that we have 6 weeks to evaluate and get to see. We haven’t set a pecking order." #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 23, 2015
One thing that would have been for certain was the ninth inning with closer Kenley Jansen; however, he will be out 8-12 weeks because of surgery on his left foot. The front office said that they would be looking to replace internally, although they were rumored to be interested in right-hander Joba Chamberlain. Francisco Rodriguez and Rafael Soriano’s names were also mentioned, but that seems unlikely.
There are no certainties in the bullpen, although it would appear that J.P. Howell and Joel Peralta will be in the mix for sure. Others like Chris Hatcher, Paco Rodriguez, Adam Liberatore, Brandon League and more will be fighting for a spot this spring. With the new front office, it’s no guarantee of how they will determine who makes the cut.
One thing will be certain for the bullpen, it will be completely different from last season.
Dodgers FanFest – Chris Hatcher