Note: Defined Roles in the Bullpen
Over the weekend, Jerry Manuel told reporters that, while Billy Wagner is his ‘closer,’ Duaner Sanchez will now be the team’s ‘set-up man,’ Joe Smith will be the team’s ‘right-handed specialist,’ and Pedro Feliciano will be the ‘left-handed specialist,’ while Claudio Vargas will be their ‘long man.’
Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis were not mentioned, suggesting they are of the ‘all-purpose’ variety.
…from what i understand, the lack of ‘defined roles in the bullpen’ was a big issue between the team’s relief pitchers and Willie Randolph and Rick Peterson…you know the old story, baseball players are creatures of habits, they like to know what their job will be when they get to the park, especially relievers, as it helps with how they prepare…so, whether manuel actually sticks with this plan, who knows…but, in the short term, it at least sends a signal that there may be some regularity out there…
