Organizing this bullpen

[Big Klu]

I think Vlad Gutierrez is a bullpen piece. Reed too. I'd include Herget, Mella & Romano as potential middle inning options. Maybe 1 of Powers/Hendrix can break through. We should be able to get 2, hopefully 3, relievers out of that group. 1 middle & 1 late inning. Stephenson has taken to the bullpen great; not crazy to think a couple of these guys could also.

Kenny Powers? Sweet!

[mth123]

I think Vlad Gutierrez is a bullpen piece. Reed too. I'd include Herget, Mella & Romano as potential middle inning options. Maybe 1 of Powers/Hendrix can break through. We should be able to get 2, hopefully 3, relievers out of that group. 1 middle & 1 late inning. Stephenson has taken to the bullpen great; not crazy to think a couple of these guys could also.

I think they are all bullpen pieces. I just am not optimistic that they'll be good bullpen pieces. I wouldn't let the existence of all these fringe prospects prevent me from going out and getting a late inning reliever or two. They can always get these types off the scrap heap. The only guy I have some hope for might be Romano and I only think he succeeds if the Reds let him start for a year in AAA and use the heck out of that change-up until he proves he can actually throw it. If he does that, I want him starting. If he doesn't, I don't really want him in the big leagues.

[Sea Ray]

I was thinking Powers, Kuhnel, Hendrix and maybe even guys like Romano, Herget and Reed.

[Kc61]

Perhaps Reds are settling in with more defined roles for relievers.

In particular, they seem to like Hernandez setting up against primarily RHHs. Garrett late innings against primarily LHH. Iggy as closer, of course.

As some have suggested, they seem to like Hughes in the middle innings more than late.

Stephenson as a fifth-sixth inning guy for one inning.

Lorenzen is “as needed” and Reds do seem maybe to hold him back sometimes for use as PH/OF.

Duke and Peralta also “as needed” primarily against lefties.

Bell is definitely a lefty/righty percentage manager. I think that is a good change from some of the past managers who didn’t seem as focused on that.

These are reasonable patterns and IMO will help the bullpen’s effectiveness. It brings some order to things, even if one doesn’t agree with every role. And they seem flexible, which is good.

[TommyJ]

Perhaps Reds are settling in with more defined roles for relievers.

In particular, they seem to like Hernandez setting up against primarily RHHs. Garrett late innings against primarily LHH. Iggy as closer, of course.

As some have suggested, they seem to like Hughes in the middle innings more than late.

Stephenson as a fifth-sixth inning guy for one inning.

Lorenzen is “as needed” and Reds do seem maybe to hold him back sometimes for use as PH/OF.

Duke and Peralta also “as needed” primarily against lefties.

Bell is definitely a lefty/righty percentage manager. I think that is a good change from some of the past managers who didn’t seem as focused on that.

These are reasonable patterns and IMO will help the bullpen’s effectiveness. It brings some order to things, even if one doesn’t agree with every role. And they seem flexible, which is good.

Stephenson needs to be more than a 5th inning guy. His control has improved with his new fastball grip and dropping the slider. His stuff is filthy, I’d like him in higher leverage situations.

[Kc61]

Stephenson needs to be more than a 5th inning guy. His control has improved with his new fastball grip and dropping the slider. His stuff is filthy, I’d like him in higher leverage situations.

Bell seems to value late inning experience in his relievers.

In time Stephenson could get there, but his control issues over his career probably invite caution.

[plantmanky]

I wouldn't sign Kimbrel, at this point.

[RiverfrontRed]

Unlike some, I don’t favor a free-flowing bullpen. I like more defined roles. Not debating that here, I understand there are different view points. These are not rigid, can vary if truly necessary.

1. Late innings, 7th - 9th (4 pitchers) - Iglesias, Garrett, Hernandez, Hughes. Should be upgraded, Reds need at least one more high level reliever for this group.

2. Middle innings, 5th - 7th or earlier as needed (2-3 pitchers) - Lorenzen, Stephenson. Cody Reed should be added to round out this group. Multi-innings ability necessary.

3. Lefty specialist, strictly to face lefties (1-2 pitchers) - Duke, Peralta, with one to be replaced by Reed (see above).

Main need from the outside is high level late innings guy to reduce reliance on Iglesias. Seventh inning intentional overlap between groups 1 and 2 for flexibility.

IMO Reds’ pen would function better with this general structure.

Let's make that Duke being replaced!

[757690]

Bell seems to value late inning experience in his relievers.

In time Stephenson could get there, but his control issues over his career probably invite caution.

I don’t mind him as a fifth or sixth inning guy, but he is used far too often as a one inning reliever. He was a starter last year, he should be able to go two or more innings, especially when he enters in the fifth or sixth inning.

[Kc61]

I don’t mind him as a fifth or sixth inning guy, but he is used far too often as a one inning reliever. He was a starter last year, he should be able to go two or more innings, especially when he enters in the fifth or sixth inning.

Stephenson can go multiple innings. But that doesn’t mean it’s the most effective use of the bullpen.

Reds are usually in close games and they want to turn the 7th, 8th and 9th over to their late inning crew. Rightly or wrongly, they have the most confidence in those guys. They also may feel Stephenson is best in one-inning stints right now.

As time goes on, I’m sure they will use him more and in higher leverage spots if he performs.