Building a Back End

When Anthopolous solidified the closer spot on the roster when he acquired Sergio Santos for Nestor Molina, that was just the start to him building arguably one of the best bull pens in the league now. After that he has also re-acquired Jason Frasor then signed veteran lefty specialist Darren Oliver and veteran righty Coco Cordero. Although most these pitchers are on the older side, they can still eat quality innings. When your starting pitching is young and thin at the back end its great to have quality options to go to in the 6th and 7th innings knowing the 8th an 9th are under control.






Here is how quality of innings the bull pen has produced in recent years.

63.1 IP/ 3.55 era/ 13.1k/9  /1.105 whip         Sergio Santos

69.2 IP/ 2.45 era/  5.4k/9   /1.019 whip         Coco Cordero

51  IP/   2.29    / 7.8k/9      /1.137 whip         Darren Oliver



The latter two are old and are on one year contracts (oliver with an option) but still provide good support to a young staff that will also bring confidence in the pitchers as a group.

AA is starting his own arms race with the options he is going to have, also creating a smooth transition from old veterans to young arms coming up including Hutchison, Mcguire, Drabek and even starter Henderson Alvarez.

Sergio Santos seems to be on the rise but having clean innings handed to him in the 9th inning from Cordero will only help the 28 year old who has only 2 years of MLB experience. The former shortstop in the Jays system (Santos) now has experienced closer( 37 saves last year) setting him up. Smart move by AA.

Also locking up power arm Brandon Morrow, looking to have a strong year with all his peripherals suggesting he is going to have his first sub 4 era year with the Jays.