Breaking Down The First Month of the 2009 Tampa Bay Rays Bullpen

It goes without saying that one of the primary components for the magical 2008 run of the Tampa Bay Rays was their exceptional bullpen. With that said, it can also be noted that the bullpen was likely the one aspect of the Rays that truly played over the heads last season to an ability which may be nearly impossible to match again.

Many have kept an investigative eye on every pitch of last year's super stars through the opening month of the 2009 campaign. The following is a player-by-player analysis of the Rays bullpen so far this season.

Grant Balfour

One of the more surprising entities in the Tampa Bay bullpen last season, Balfour went from being an average-at-best reliever to a hostile, intimidating hurler who used his fastball to attack hitters with a fierce intensity. As could be expected, his dominance has leveled off thus far this season.

He has experienced some control issues with his fastball, walking 10 batters in 9 1/3 innings of work. Balfour still lacks a true off-speed pitch as attempts during spring training to add a curve ball to his repertoire failed miserably. 

GRADE: B- It would be complete wishful thinking to picture Balfour having a season equivalent to his performance last year. However, he is still approaching the mound with great confidence, his fastball has lost nothing, and once he can get his location back on point, he will become an enforcer again.

He has still been effective in clutch situations this year as most of his struggles have come during games that were already out of hand in which he was likely working on adjustments.

Lance Cormier

New to the Rays this season, Cormier has been a pleasant addition to the bullpen.  Taking over the long reliever role that was occupied by Jason Hammel last season, Cormier has definitely been a versatile upgrade. While not in a glorious position on the staff, Cormier has done an efficient job during his often "junk time" opportunities. 

Often coming in during games in which the starter has struggled, Cormier has shown terrific control of his change-up, fastball, and curve ball and has gotten games moving, pitching as many as four innings in an April game against the Twins.

GRADE: A- Although it is not the most noteworthy job, Cormier has taken care of business when called upon.  For a pitcher in his situation, there is not much more that you can ask of him.

J.P. Howell

The most adjustable pitcher in the bullpen, Howell made a name for himself last season but was the likely the single Ray most devastated by their loss in the World Series.  While his mechanics are still effective, Howell seems to have lost some of his mental stability this season, faltering in three clutch situations already this year. 

His command is still generally on and he still holds a wide array of efficient pitches including a splitter, change-up, and a deadly curve ball.

GRADE: C While Howell's numbers are better than Balfour's, he has not been the reliable clutch reliever that gave him his name last season.  His mental toughness will surely be tested more as the season progresses and how he reacts will be telling of whether or not his last season was a fluke.

Joe Nelson

Through the first couple weeks of the season, Nelson was undoubtedly the hottest reliever in Tampa Bay.  However, since then, Nelson has cooled off considerably and has been vulnerable in some key situations recently. 

With a solid splitter and fastball, Nelson has the potential to be a key part of the bullpen if he can become more consistent.  So far, when he has been off, walks and the big hit have hampered him.

GRADE: C It is important for the Rays bullpen that Nelson become a reliable option to turn to.  As of now, he has not quite been the guy that the Rays were looking for when they brought him in, but it is still very early.

Troy Percival

The man that gives fans all over Tampa Bay stomach ulcers and defines the old cliche "bends but doesn't break."  I am one of the many who wishes that the Rays would nurture a younger, more explosive closer.

However, for now Percival is what they have and he is still finding ways to use his experience and command to garner saves that "don't always have to be Mona Lisas," as Joe Maddon says.

Percival has blown one save situation so far this year and it is hard to believe that he won't reach his same fate from last year and spend September/October watching from the DL.

GRADE: B- Like it or not, Percival has almost always gotten the job done although it can be painful to watch. Durability is still his biggest issue as he probably will not be around come season's end.

Brian Shouse

A veteran left-handed specialist brought in to replace Trever Miller, Shouse has been adequate in his spot as a situational pitcher. His ability to keep the ball low in the zone has worked well to nullify the numerous big bat lefty hitters that the American League possesses. 

Shouse has featured a sinker that works well against left-handers but, as proven by Kevin Youkilis, should never be attempted against a righty. 

GRADE: B; Shouse has shown dedication to his role as a specialist and has served well as a veteran presence in the bullpen. He seems to be a reliable option in the correct situations.

Dan Wheeler

If there was one pitcher last season who it appeared was starting to lose his pitching magic, it was Dan Wheeler.  A rocky end to last season has carried over to 2009 as Wheeler has been completely hit or miss in big situations this year.

It is always a mystery if his slider will destroy batters or if he will leave his control in the clubhouse and serve up batting practice.  A pitcher that Maddon loves to rely on, Wheeler's performance is vital to how Tampa Bay fares this year.

GRADE: C- His good appearances have been over-shadowed by his huge collapses against the Yankees and Red Sox.  Not the guy most care to see in clutch situations.

It has been apparent that the Rays bullpen has fallen into a funk of mediocrity in the early going of the 2009 season.  Middle relievers will always be something of a wild card and that is a lesson that is being taught in St. Petersburg this year. 

However, it is still far too early to label this first month as prophetic for the remainder of the season.  Things seem to be picking up in the last week and there are still numerous options and additions that will assist the cause in the coming months.

For instance, Chad Bradford, whose submarine style was a huge late season addition for the Rays last year is still awaiting a return from the DL.  Also, highly touted pitching prospect Wade Davis is waiting in the minors and could bring a key bullpen role with him to the majors later in the season much like David Price did last year. 

Other options could include moving current fifth starter Jeff Niemann to the bullpen when Price is ready to be called up or giving veteran reliever Jason Isringhausen a chance.

Whatever moves are made, the bullpen is not a real weakness for the Rays as it once was.  While not yet stellar, the bullpen is also not giving fans any real reason to panic.