In a new series of posts over the next few weeks, we’re examining each of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ position groups; analyzing which players are gone, which players are returning and which free agents might be on the team’s radar.
Of all the position groups on the Dodgers’ roster, none has faced more scrutiny than the bullpen — and not without good reason either (at least on the surface).
In 2014, the Dodgers bullpen posted the No. 22 ERA (3.80) — a number that actually went up in 2015 to 3.91 (although it placed them 19th overall). Sabermetrically, however, the numbers tell a different story.
In 2014, Dodger relievers combined for a 3.64 FIP and 2.0 WAR, both of which ranked 20th overall. Last season, however, there was improvement — FIP dropped to 3.43 (fifth-best) and WAR rose to 4.5 (eighth-best).
The reason for the improvement? Strikeouts and walks. In 2015, the Dodgers ranked fifth in both strikeouts and walks allowed. The problem? BABIP. Last season, this group gave up a .317 BABIP, which was third-highest in the Majors.
The point? The bullpen should have been a lot better than they were and it appears they simply experienced a bit of bad luck.
The good news in all of this is the Dodgers return the core of this bullpen from last year and it’s a group that should continue to improve as they grow in age and experience.
Free agents: Jim Johnson, Joel Peralta
If there were two relievers most Dodgers fans wouldn’t be devastated to see go, my guess is Johnson and Peralta are on top of that list.
Johnson, who came over in a trade with the Atlanta Braves, was the Atlanta’s closer before being traded to Los Angeles, at which point he greatly struggled.
In 49 appearances with the Braves, Johnson posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.4 WAR. In 23 appearances with the Dodgers, he posted a 10.13 ERA and a -1.6 WAR.
Peralta on the other hand, was acquired via a trade last November, along with Adam Liberatore from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris.
While Peralta was great in April, with three saves and a 0.00 ERA over seven appearances, he proceeded to allow 12 earned runs and 18 hits in his next 14.1 innings of work, leaving him with a mediocre 4.34 ERA on the season.
CONTINUE READING: Outlook Of Dodgers Bullpen Presents Reason For Optimism In 2016
Returners: Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, Carlos Frias, Yimi Garcia, Chris Hatcher, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Adam Liberatore, Juan Nicasio
If you’re a believer of the stats mentioned above that indicate this group was far better than their ERA says, then you’ll be happy to know the Dodgers return eight of their nine most-used relievers.
Included in that are the seven relievers who posted the highest WAR last season and the eight relievers who posted the best FIP (among those with 20+ appearances).
Honestly, there’s plenty to like here. Avilan, Howell and Liberatore will offer the new manager left-handed options, Baez and Hatcher offer a pair of hard-throwing setup men and Jansen remains one of the league’s best closers.
With fill-in types such as, Frias, Garcia and Nicasio, and, well, this group is in great shape heading into 2016.
Potential newcomers: Darren O’Day, Brad Boxberger, Jack McGee
With many relievers available, we’ll begin with Darren O’Day, whom the Dodgers and several other teams, are said to be interested in.
While almost 33, O’Day has been one of the league’s best relievers over the past four seasons and could solidify the setup role the Dodgers have desperately been lacking.
Imagine a bullpen with O’Day and Jansen on the backend, leaving Baez, Garcia and/or Hatcher to man the seventh inning, with Avilan and Howell available for the occasional left-handed batter.
Next on the list are Brad Boxberger and Jack McGee, a pair of Tampa Bay Rays relievers the Dodgers were linked to on Monday morning.
Whereas O’Day is a free agent, Boxberger and McGee would need to be acquired via trade. In two seasons with the Rays, Boxberger has posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 34.7 strikeout percentage, while recording 43 saves as well.
McGee, on the other hand, had a 2.41 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 39 appearances last season. Of course, in addition to these three, there is always the potential for the Dodgers to add an off-the-radar piece from another organization via waivers or trade.