Bullpen roles pretty well set - not looking too bad?

[naivin]

Obvioulsy every game and situation is different, and these are not set in stone, but with Hoffman's return/debut, along with what has transpired thus far, it appears that the bullpen is rounding into shape in terms of who will and should be called upon to do what (at least for now).

 

9th - Hoffman

8th - Generally Coffey, although I think Macha may continue to utilize him much the way Piniella uses Marmol to get out of any particular hot spot anywhere after the 6th inning or so. Works for me.

7th - DiFelice/Stetter - both will likely be a guy called upon to get out of certain jams as well, Stetter facing LHers, etc.

 

Villanueva continues to look more and more like a career middle reliever - starting 6th/7th inning, etc., and should be effective in that role.

McClung in long releif/spot starter.

Julio - professional seed spitter.

 

All in all, not too bad. Seems deep enough - should have enough arms to cover if Coffey is called upon earlier, a guy needs a day off, etc., but will clearly be subject to some bad days. A healthy and effective David Riske in place of Julio, would be big, but seems pretty unlikely.