If you watched the games against the Indians on Saturday and Monday you had to have come away with the opinion that the Bucs bullpen is going to be shaky.
Edgar Santana has been suspended for the year.
Keone Kela is probably out beating up therapists somewhere. He’s been placed on the 10-day IL.
Kyle Crick, probably the highest leverage pitcher that’s remaining, gave up four runs in one third of an inning on Saturday night.
Nick Burdi has GREAT stuff and touched 99 MPH, but he’s erratic. I think he has a chance to be good, but I don’t know if he’s there yet.
Neverauskas has been around. We know what he’s all about. He gave up a couple of runs in the exhibition game last night.
Richard Rodriquez gave up four runs in one inning of work. Michael Feliz and Chris Stratton combined to give up three more.
The bullpen is, well, not great.
The Pirates could use another reliever.
Why not Frankie Liriano? He had a 3.47 ERA with the club last year and was just released by the Phillies. In 2019, he had 63 strikeouts in 70 innings. Decent year.
Real clubs that think they have a chance to win go for dudes like this. Is he going to come in and be the Pirates closer? No. The Pirates should bet focused on having the best 30 guys on the roster when the season starts.
Liriano would be an upgrade over what they have. Period. He wouldn’t be expensive.
Go get him.
He fits in with the club house. His stuff is still pretty good. He caan help get lefties out.
What’s the harm?
If he stinks, you DFA him. If he's great and the team stinks, Cherington could flip him at the deadline. I don't see the downside. Get it done.