With opening day closing in fast, there will be some final decisions that need to be made over the next couple of weeks. One in particular deals with an open spot in the bullpen for a left-handed hurler to claim.
The competition
Rich Hill – The new sidearm style seems to be working. He is unscored upon in 8.2 innings of work. He has walked tThree and struck out six, yielding five hits in the process.
Andrew Miller – He has looked great at times, featuring a mid-to-high 90’s heater, but the command is still not there. In 7.2 innings he has allowed 11 hits, including a home run, with four walks to six strikeouts.
Hideki Okajima – Oki may never be the dominant bullpen arm he once was, but he’s hoping to regain at least some of his old form. The results so far this spring haven’t been great (6 ER in 6 IP), but he has allowed only one baserunner via the free pass while striking out six.
Dennys Reyes – Reyes has looked good this spring and has only surendered one earned run while striking out seven and walking two.
I feel like Reyes has the edge here. Not only has he performed well this spring, but he has a clause that would allow him to opt-out of his contract should he not make the Sox 25-man roster. Andrew Miller can be sent to triple-A, and he seems ready and willing to work on things there. Rich Hill could also be optioned to triple-A, where he could continue to work on refining his new delivery.
Who’s your pick?