Blue Jays: 5 Positive Takeaways from the 2017 Season

Bullpen Aligned Well For 2018

Generally, when a team is nestled in the cellar of their division, you would not expect the bullpen to be a positive takeaway from a disappointing season. However, there are a number of relievers who asserted themselves as legit major league talents in 2017 and the bullpen is aligned well for next season.

The emergence of Ryan Tepera, Danny Barnes, Dominic Leone and most recently Carlos Ramirez have the Blue Jays sitting pretty for 2018. The numbers would be even better had Manager John Gibbons not have to use and abuse his bullpen time and time again due to the inefficiencies of his starters. I guess it has to be expected when you are forced to trot out 14 different starters to the bump in a season.

Tepera has an earned average of 3.52 in 66 appearances, Barnes 3.64 in 53 appearances and Leone who has arguably been their best reliever has a 2.66 earned run average in 58 contests. Now add September call-up Carlos Ramirez to the mix and you have a nice corps in place moving forward. Ramirez did not allow an earned run all season long on the farm and has yet to yield a run in 4 appearances with the big club.

If closer Roberto Osuna can sort out his inconsistencies the Jays will be able to focus their attention on other areas of the team for improvement as the bullpen looks adequate to hold down the fort.