Soria and Nunez - Is the Bullpen a Strength?

by daveyork on Apr 3, 2008 10:35 AM EDT Comment 14 comments

I am probably overdoing it for so early in the season as many fans do. But I look for the KC bullpen to be a strength of the team in 2008. After listening to Soria and Nunez dominant these first two games, they continue to pitch like they did in 2007. Nunez has shown the ability to dominant in short bursts of an inning or two. Soria continues to show the poise and confidence of a veteran along with great control. When he is in the game with the lead, I feel confident that KC will win. It was been a long time since I have felt that way with the Royals bullpen.

Over the next few games, we'll get a chance to see the new pitchers like Mahay, Yabuta, and Ramirez. If they can perform up to previous levels, I like what they can add. Gobble is consistent and I do think that Peralta will be back with Olivo comes off suspension. Both Gobble and Peralta are stable based on the past.

The depth of bullpen goes into the minors as well. If/When Hochevar and Davies are ready for the rotation, both Bale and Tomko could go to the pen and be effective. If injuries happen (which they will), add Musser, Braun, Salmon, Duckworth and Tsao to the short term help that is available. Overall that is a group of 7 more relievers who could help the Royals in 2008.

Am I just drunk on the league leading Royals success or does the bullpen look good? Yes, I know after posting this the pen will get torched but right now, I see the bullpen as a strength.

1 recs | Comment 14 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

The bullpen is definitely a strength

It is good, and deep. If some pitchers have unexpectedly bad seasons, there are many guys ready to replace them. It is amazing how many guys could be in this bullpen who I feel comfortable with pitching for the Royals:

Soria
Yabuta
Mahay
Gobble
Nunez
Peralta
Ramirez
Bale
Tomko
Hochevar
Davies
Musser
Braun
Tsao
Nomo

That's 15 deep. And of course there are some question marks down in the lower ranks of that list, but you have to go pretty far down the list before you start to get concerned.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2008 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Still remains to be seen

But yea, I've liked our bullpen depth for awhile, and couldn't understand why some were down on it.

Its still early, but Nunez looks like a completely different pitcher. He looks electric with great command - very Soria-esque.

Soria is Soria. Doesn't look like he's missed a beat.

Gobble is pretty solid - no reason to think he'll change.

Mahay has pretty solid numbers.

Yabuta is a big wild card. But Japanese relievers tend to fool American hitters, at least in their first year. Still, I'm not counting on him all that much. We don't know how he'll react yet.

Ramirez is the perfect guy you want in the back of your pen. A high upside guy who could be a clutch reliever by mid-season.

Peralta is a great ROOGY.

I still think Braun and Tsao can be solid MLB relievers if given the chance. And Musser could be a LOOGY right now for a lot of teams.

Really nice to have depth rather than relying on guys named Steve Stemle or waiver claims like Chris Booker.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 3, 2008 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

With Greinke out of the relieif role

everyone else seems to pale by comparison. This is the show-me-state, I won't be completely sold until I see some of the new guys perform. I'm pretty confident about the bully, but do still have a seed of doubt.

Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Apr 3, 2008 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

peralta still needs to win me over

"So whattya say, should we clean this place up?" - Tom Cruise

by DyeFan187 on Apr 3, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

3.89
4.40
3.80

ERA the past three years, the last two in KC. Pretty darn solid I'd say. Righties have just a .694 OPS against him. He's a great righty-killer.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 3, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ramirez seems to be the biggest area of concern

although Yabs was getting knocked around a bit.

Who was that other reliever we picked up for a PTBNL? Forgot the name, but I think that if both Ramirez and Yabs struggle, Peralta and that guy would be more the capable replacements.

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Apr 3, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Salmon was the other guy

I don't think Ramirez is rock solid and reliable yet, but I love that we have him. Good stats outside of his injury-shorted 2007 season and very impressive stuff. He's a great guy to have as your 7th man in the bullpen. He's really more of a question mark than a concern. And I feel really good about him.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez

Looks like a more polished Burgos to me. Slightly less velocity, but same pitching concept.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Apr 3, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about that

It seemed to me like Burgos is all velocity. Straight fastballs in the high 90's. Ramirez has movement on all of his pitches. His 91-95 mph fastball has really good movement along with a good breaking ball. And he's been more effective in the majors than Burgos.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i posted this in the game trhead, but its relevant here

what is our horribly racist nickname for Nunez and Soria going to be? we need to think about this, and only include them in it, because they are both Hispanic. so no mahay or yabuta or gobble, included in the name

obviously, it'll have to be something in spanish. Too bad Nunez isn't from Mexico, but is instead from D.R.

how do you say skinny in spanish? I like The Skinny Boys/Skinny Killers or something like that

"So whattya say, should we clean this place up?" - Tom Cruise

by DyeFan187 on Apr 3, 2008 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it needs to be horribly racist, rather clever or catchy maybe.

How bout Nunia? Like "None ya hitters have a chance".

Or maybe just call them "Game Over" or "Lights Out" or "TOTL" (Turn Out The Lights)

Something like "SDC" for "Shut Down Closers" (kinda like a shut-down corner in football) or if you prefer something with "killers" in it go with Shut Down Killas (SDK)

Or you could just go with something horribly racist, either way.

Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.

by MileHighKCfan on Apr 3, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about we take Mexican and executioner

and make Mexicutioner for Soria. No ideas for Nunez.

by TXroyal on Apr 3, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you look at our pitching staff as a whole...

....The weaknesses are actually our #4 and #5 spots (in my opinion). If Meche, Bannister and Grienke can continue to push deep into games, it will keep our bully fresh for days when Bale and Tomko under-perform (for lack of a better word). If Bale goes five innings and gives up four or five runs, I still like our chances handing it over to the guys in relief if we can get a little run support.

Nunez has such a different look and feel, I like him following just about anyone; I think Soria is arguably the best closer in the AL; I really liked how Ramirez looked on Thursday; Yabuta, Gobble and Mahay aren't bad, either.

There is a lot to be excited about with this pitching staff. If Hoochy stays solid, look for a very strong group of arms when he comes up July.

Bats, please get hot, stay hot.

by FretFriendly on Apr 4, 2008 6:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs