When I saw the IronPig’s pitching last night it brought back an old memory.
The Houston Astros of about 10 years ago had a great late inning bullpen. If the starting pitcher got them past the 6th inning the game was essentially over.
7th inning – Octavio Dotel would throw 98mph and mow down opposing batters.
8th inning – Brad Lidge would confuse them with his slider.
9th inning – Billy Wagner would scare them out of the batter’s box with a 100mph fastball.
Get them 6 innings the 7 – 8 – 9 were theirs.
With Tyler Cloyd’s performance aside (6 perfect innings and pulled with only 79 pitches) I saw a glimpse of what the IronPig bullpen could become this season.
Yes, yes… I know the Phillies will impact it but having guys like Aumont, Diekman and Schwimer to close out a game will help these Pigs hold a lead or give confidence for a comeback that a lead would eventually be held.
Phillipe Aumont – in 2011 Aumont tossed 22.2 innings in 18 games for the IronPigs with a 3.18 ERA striking out 37 and walking 14.
Jake Diekman – in 2011 he pitched 65 innings for the R-Phils with a 3.05 ERA striking out 83 while walking 44.
Michael Schwimer – in 2011 for the IronPigs, Schwimer went 9-1 (as a reliever) in 69 innings with a 1.85 ERA striking out 86 to only 22 walks. He also earned 10 saves.
Jeremy Horst – Pitched in 36 games for Louisville last season with a 2.81 ERA.
David Purcey – Split time between Toronto, Oakland, Detroit and Toledo last season.
Brian Sanches – Appeared in 39 games for the Marlins last season with a 3.94 ERA.
Raul Valdes – Also split time with a few teams, pitched for Memphis, St. Louis, SWB and the Yankees in 2011. Wonder if he got a World Series ring?
The bullpen does look strong and could improve when injuries heal. I hear Justin DeFratus is making progress and we might gain a Phillie once Jose Contreras returns.
It will be an exciting season for sure.
Oink!
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