2010 Bullpen Preview: AL West

We continue our 2010 bullpen previews with the AL West.

Los Angeles Angels:

Closer – Brian Fuentes.
Setup – Fernando Rodney.
Best pitchers – Fuentes.

Even after a 48 save season, most are going to be down on Fuentes. And rightfully so, the guy pitched quite poorly. His ERA almost hit 4, and his FIP and xFIP were way worse. That said, he’s a year removed from truly elite across the board numbers, and he was one of the best closers in baseball during the first half. It’s possible he was hurt or just overworked during the second half of last season, and that we’ll see the same old Fuentes in 2010, making him a decent bargain, especially given the team he plays for. Fernando Rodney was somewhat successful last season, but he doesn’t have the skill set to back it up. If Fuentes loses his job, Rodney might get some looks, but Kevin Jepsen is definitely the second pitcher you want to own in this bullpen.

Texas Rangers:

Closer – Frank Francisco.
Setup – CJ Wilson.
Best pitchers – Francisco.

Frank Francisco had an up and down year in 2009, spending a lot of time on the DL, but his numbers were fine across the board. His propensity for giving up home runs keeps him from being an elite level closer, but if he stays on the field, he should be a solid #2 in mixed leagues. Given those health risks, it might be worth owning CJ Wilson, who had a breakout year last season, with a 2.89 FIP and 3.25 xFIP, although you really only need to roster him in AL only leagues. If Neftali Feliz stays in the bullpen to start 2010, he might contend for saves, given his complete dominance at the end of last season.

Seattle Mariners:

Closer – David Aardsma.
Setup – Brandon League.
Best pitchers – League.

A bullpen to watch. Aardsma had some success last season, but his track record, and his 2009 FIP, say that success could come to an end very quickly. The defense and ballpark in Seattle will help him out, but if he falters – and that’s no stretch – Brandon League has the skill set to close, with a 3.62 K/BB rate and 55.7% GB rate last season. Aardsma is in a good situation in Seattle, but he’s still a risk, and League has an elite all around skill set, so watch out.

Oakland Athletics:

Closer – Andrew Bailey.
Setup – Joey Devine.
Best pitchers – Bailey.

Andrew Bailey came out of nowhere last year, and some may look at his minor league track record and conclude he can’t repeat his success. They are wrong. Since being converted into a reliever, Bailey has done nothing but dominate the competition, and he should continue to do so in 2010, as one of the best closers in all of baseball. Joey Devine has a similarly elite skill set, but given his injury last season, and Bailey’s success, he’s unlikely to win the job out of Spring Training. If Bailey goes down, Devine could be a good pickup, but otherwise, this Oakland bullpen is pretty much locked down.