MLB Power Rankings: The Best Bullpens in the National League Central
In baseball, the bullpen is as important a unit as you will find.
They have one job, hold the lead that their respective team has hopefully gained.
Whether its long relief, short relief or the ever important closer, everyone has their roles to execute in the latter innings of the ballgame.
In the National League Central, their are standout individuals who get the call from their managers.
These individuals are just pieces to the bullpen puzzle in the NL Central. The whole unit is what matters. Every piece of the bullpen will be used at some point, so they are expected to step up.
So the question is, who has the best bullpen in the NL Central?
6. Houston Astros
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The Houston Astros lack a reliable power pitcher to close out games.
Their leader in saves is Mark Melancon, with six, followed by Brandon Lyon with four.
While players such as Melancon, Sergio Escalona and Wilton Lopez all have sub-3.00 ERA's, they are not exactly household names.
The Astros have been a team that has struggled overall, therefore their bullpen has not had a chance to close a lot of games. However, they have had a chance to pitch in mop up situations.
One bright spot could be Fernando Martinez, who has only thrown five innings out of the bullpen this year, but has already racked up one victory.
The Astros have a lot of holes to fill on their roster, and the bullpen is no different.
5. Chicago Cubs
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Unlike the Astros, the Chicago Cubs do have the household names in the back end of the bullpen.
Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol have both been fairly successful this year. Wood holds a 2.25 ERA, and Marmol holds a 3.21 ERA. Marmol has also utilized his electric stuff to the tune of 37 strikeouts over 28 innings pitched.
Despite the success of these two dependable right-handers, and also the success of left-hander Sean Marshall, pitchers like John Grabow and Jeff Samardzija hurt their depth.
A bullpen cannot be built on just a few arms in order to be a consistently successful unit. This is often reflected in the division standings.
Expect Marmol, Wood and Marshall to hold up their end, but they will need some help if they wish to compete in 2011.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
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The Milwaukee Brewers have a great lineup, a much improved starting rotation, and a bullpen that is getting better but isn't quite there yet.
Led by veteran LaTroy Hawkins, and young arms Zach Braddock and John Axford, the Milwaukee bullpen has held its own all season. However, they still lack an elite closer in the ninth inning.
John Axford has 16 saves on the season with a 3.18 ERA. He also has 37 strikeouts through 28.1 innings pitched. Yes, these numbers are very good. No, I still don't think Axford is the name Milwaukee will want to call in the playoffs.
Axford and Braddock both ooze potential. Hawkins is a veteran presence and also happens to be pitching well with a 0.59 ERA through 16 innings pitched.
When it comes down to it, Milwaukee has a great team and is strong across the board. The bullpen just happens to be the weakest unit, especially compared to the rest of the division.
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3. Pittsburgh Pirates
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The Pittsburgh Pirates, through free agent acquisitions and timely trades, have compiled a solid bullpen.
Led by Joel Hanrahan's 15 saves and 1.57 ERA, the Pirates have turned Hanrahan into one of the National League's most reliable closers.
In middle relief, Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Daniel McCutchen have proven to be solid so far in 2011.
Ironically, as good as the bullpen has been, the weak link has been former All Star Evan Meek. Between a stint on the disabled list and a mysterious loss of velocity, Meek has failed to regain his 2010 form so far this season.
One weakness in the Pirates bullpen could be the lack of a lefty presence. Daniel Moskos and Tony Watson are currently the lefties in the bullpen, and veteran Joe Beimel is currently on the disabled list. None of those names are names Clint Hurdle should trust to win key games.
The Pirates seem to be improving overall this season, and the bullpen has played a major role in the turn around. They will continue to play a role as the season moves forward.
2. Cincinnati Reds
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The Cincinnati Reds have a deep bullpen.
Francisco Cordero has closed out ballgames and has racked up 11 saves with a 1.53 ERA. Cordero also provides a veteran mentality and a stable situation.
Bill Bray gives the Reds a power lefty and has a 1.66 ERA so far this season. Cordero and Bray together give the Reds a dominant pitcher from both the left and right side, which takes the pressure off the rest of the bullpen.
Logan Ondrusek has been the most pleasant surprise with a 1.87 ERA to go along with earning three victories for his team.
While Nick Masset has had his share of struggles this season, the Reds have still managed to maintain a solid corps in the bullpen.
The presence of Cordero and Bray has allowed the other Reds' relief pitchers to fill roles instead of being forced to pitch better than would be expected. The success of those two arms as the season goes on could be a major key to winning another Central division title.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
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Fernando Salas has emerged as a major player in the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen. Salas has a 1.88 ERA to go with 11 saves and three wins on the season. With Ryan Franklin struggling, these numbers are as important as any for the Cardinals this season.
Combine Salas' success with the success of Miguel Batista, Jason Motte and Trever Miller, and the Cardinals have created a cohesive and reliable unit for the end of games.
Eduardo Sanchez has provided power as a compliment as well, with 31 strikeouts over 25 innings pitched.
The Cardinals have it all at the plate and in their starting rotation. The same holds true for their bullpen. A reliable lefty in Miller, a power pitcher in Sanchez, and a confident and live arm in Salas.
The continued success will be necessary if the Cardinals look to maintain their lead on top of the NL Central.
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