Late Innings

Rob Neyer of ESPN brought up four solid relievers who can be had for cheap:

Relief Pitchers: Joe Beimel, Chad Cordero, Dennys Reyes, Rudy Seanez

Over the past three seasons – all as a Dodger – Beimel was 11-4 with a 3.04 ERA. He gave up seven home runs in 2006, but has allowed just one over the past two seasons and 116 innings. Oh, and he’s a lefty. Either he’s a lousy guy in the clubhouse or his agent’s not having a good winter. Because for the past 50 years there’s been a place in the majors for a guy like Beimel, and I expect there will be for the next 50.

Cordero just has to convince someone he’s healthy. I don’t think he’ll ever be an elite closer again (if he ever was) because he gives up too many home runs. But he’s 26 and he’s got a 2.78 career ERA, and might make someone a fine setup man someday.

Reyes is sort of like Beimel without the fastball (and thus the innings). Last season, he got into 75 games with the Twins and somehow totaled only 46 innings. Which might be some sort of record. Funny thing is, he’s not that bad against right-handed hitters. Anyway, if somebody’s looking for a LOOGY and can’t afford Beimel, Reyes is a solid choice.

And finally, I can’t let the opportunity pass to mention Seanez, who has pitched in the majors since 1989 (with a couple of enforced breaks) with nine different teams (including the Padres for three stints). He’s 40, but pitched effectively in each of the past two seasons and picked up a World Series ring with the Phillies last year. I’m not convinced yet that he’s not the new Jesse Orosco.

With that all “said", take Reyes off the list. The Cardinals nicely upgraded their bullpen for a guaranteed 3MM. Nothing against Brian Fuentes, who the Cardinals were interested in and is a very solid pitcher, but Reyes is a much more cost-effective answer, who costs a sixth of what Fuentes signed for.