For four seasons, the Nationals could always count on their bullpen to pick up the starters after a poor outing. But that's no longer the case. Having lost closer Chad Cordero to injury and setup men Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala to trades, Washington now finds itself trying to rebuild its relief corps.
Manager Manny Acta has declared only two of seven bullpen jobs secure: new closer Joel Hanrahan and workhorse middle man Saul Rivera. Everything else still must be sorted out this spring. "We were spoiled for a few years, having Cordero and Rauch at the back end and Ayala," Acta said. "Now it's rebuilding time for our bullpen, opportunities for those guys or just get creative. But those jobs are up for grabs."
The results had not been positive through March 13. Most of the relievers competing for jobs were struggling. Right-hander Steven Shell had a 7.11 ERA through five outings. Right-hander Garrett Mock had put nine men on base in six innings. Lefty Mike Hinckley had surrendered seven runs in five innings. Right-hander Ryan Wagner, trying to return from shoulder surgery, had allowed four runs in four innings.
All the struggles left Acta and his coaching staff in a precarious position as they began to put their final roster together.
"I hope that those first-week jitters of trying to get the job on the first outing is over, and they do what they have to do," Acta said.
The manager says his most important task is to pick a reliever to take over the eighth-inning job. Among the pitchers in contention this spring, veteran Jesus Colome has made the strongest case for that spot, allowing one run and not issuing a walk in five innings through March 13.
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