Blue Jays Relief Pitchers: 2022 Season Review

The Toronto Blue Jays' 2022 season was a rollercoaster, guys! While the team showcased incredible offensive firepower and flashes of brilliance, the bullpen often felt like a high-wire act without a net. Let's be real, a team's success isn't just about the starters; those relief pitchers are the unsung heroes (or sometimes, the goats) that can make or break a season. So, let's dive deep into the performance of the Blue Jays' relief corps in 2022, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the team's playoff push.

Key Relief Pitchers of 2022

When we talk about the Blue Jays bullpen in 2022, a few names immediately jump to mind. These were the guys Manager Schneider (and Montoyo before him) relied on in crucial situations, the ones expected to slam the door shut or put out fires when things got dicey. Understanding their individual performances is key to understanding the bullpen's overall effectiveness.

• Jordan Romano: Let's start with the closer, Jordan Romano. This guy was nails, plain and simple. Romano established himself as one of the premier closers in the American League. His fastball-slider combo was lethal, and he had the ice-cold demeanor you want in a ninth-inning guy. He consistently delivered, racking up saves and providing a sense of security at the end of games. Romano was, without a doubt, the anchor of the Blue Jays bullpen, and his performance was a major factor in their success.
• Tim Mayza: A dependable left-handed option, Mayza was a workhorse for the Blue Jays. He was frequently called upon to face tough left-handed hitters in high-leverage situations. Mayza's ability to get key outs against lefties was invaluable. While he wasn't always flashy, he was consistent and reliable, making him a trusted arm in the Blue Jays bullpen. His contributions often went unnoticed, but his value to the team was undeniable.
• Adam Cimber: The side-arming Cimber brought a unique look to the Blue Jays bullpen. His unusual delivery often baffled hitters, making him an effective option against both lefties and righties. Cimber was another reliable arm, consistently eating up innings and providing quality relief. He was a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, offering a different style of pitching that kept opposing hitters off balance.
• Anthony Bass: Acquired mid-season, Bass quickly became a key contributor to the Blue Jays bullpen. His experience and composure were evident, and he consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. Bass added a veteran presence to the bullpen, providing leadership and stability. He proved to be a valuable addition, solidifying the Blue Jays' relief corps down the stretch.
• Yimi Garcia: Garcia was expected to be a key piece of the bullpen, but his performance was somewhat inconsistent. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled at times with command and consistency. Garcia's stuff was undeniably good, but he needed to harness it more effectively. Despite his inconsistencies, he remained a valuable option for the Blue Jays, and they hoped he could find more consistency in the future.

Bullpen Performance Metrics

Okay, enough with the anecdotal stuff, let's dive into the numbers! Analyzing key performance metrics gives us a more objective view of how the Blue Jays' bullpen performed in 2022.

• ERA (Earned Run Average): The bullpen's overall ERA was decent but not spectacular. It highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the relief corps. While some pitchers had excellent ERAs, others struggled, bringing the overall average down.
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): A high WHIP indicates that the bullpen struggled with allowing baserunners. This was an area where the Blue Jays' bullpen needed to improve, as too many baserunners often led to runs.
• Saves and Save Percentage: Romano's high save total and impressive save percentage were a major bright spot. However, the team's overall save percentage could have been better, indicating some blown save opportunities.
• Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio: This metric reveals the bullpen's ability to control the strike zone. A higher strikeout-to-walk ratio is always desirable, as it indicates that pitchers are throwing strikes and limiting free passes.
• Inherited Runners Scored Percentage: This statistic shows how well the bullpen did at preventing inherited runners from scoring. A low percentage is ideal, as it indicates that relievers are effectively stranding runners and preventing damage.

Strengths of the 2022 Bullpen

Despite some inconsistencies, the Blue Jays' bullpen had several notable strengths in 2022. These strengths were crucial to the team's success and provided a foundation for future improvement.

• Dominant Closer: As mentioned earlier, Romano was a huge strength. Having a reliable closer allows the team to confidently protect leads in the late innings.
• Versatile Arms: The bullpen featured a mix of different pitching styles, including left-handers, right-handers, and side-armers. This versatility allowed the manager to match up pitchers effectively against opposing hitters.
• Experience: The addition of veterans like Bass brought valuable experience and leadership to the bullpen. These experienced pitchers provided stability and composure in high-pressure situations.

Weaknesses of the 2022 Bullpen

Of course, no bullpen is perfect, and the Blue Jays' relief corps had its share of weaknesses in 2022. Addressing these weaknesses will be crucial for the team to take the next step and contend for a championship.

• Inconsistency: The biggest issue was inconsistency. Too often, relievers would have great outings followed by disastrous ones. This lack of consistency made it difficult for the manager to trust certain pitchers in crucial situations.
• Command Issues: Command problems plagued some members of the bullpen. Too many walks and hit batsmen led to unnecessary baserunners and scoring opportunities for the opposition.
• Lack of Depth: Injuries and underperformance exposed a lack of depth in the bullpen. When key relievers went down, the team struggled to find reliable replacements.

Key Moments and Games

The 2022 season was filled with memorable moments – both good and bad – for the Blue Jays' bullpen. These moments highlight the impact that relief pitchers can have on a team's fortunes.

• Romano's save streak: Romano's extended save streak was a testament to his dominance and consistency. It provided a sense of security and allowed the team to win close games.
• Blown saves in crucial games: Unfortunately, there were also several blown saves in important games. These blown saves cost the team valuable wins and had a significant impact on their playoff positioning.
• Mayza's clutch performances against lefties: Mayza consistently came through in clutch situations against tough left-handed hitters. His ability to get key outs against lefties was invaluable.

Offseason Moves and 2023 Outlook

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will likely need to address some of the bullpen's weaknesses in the offseason. This could involve acquiring new relievers through free agency or trades, as well as developing young pitchers from within the organization.

• Potential Free Agent Targets: The Blue Jays could target established relievers with proven track records of success. Adding a veteran presence to the bullpen could provide stability and leadership.
• Trade Options: The team could also explore trade options to acquire relievers with specific skill sets. This could involve trading prospects or other assets to acquire a reliever who fits the team's needs.
• Internal Development: Developing young pitchers from within the organization is another key priority. The Blue Jays have several promising young arms in their farm system who could potentially contribute to the bullpen in the future.

Conclusion

The Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen in 2022 was a mixed bag. While there were some bright spots, such as the dominant performance of Romano, there were also areas that needed improvement. Addressing the bullpen's weaknesses will be crucial for the team to take the next step and compete for a championship in the years to come. The team's success hinges not only on its star power but also on the reliability and depth of its relief pitchers. The offseason moves and the development of young talent will be critical factors in shaping the future of the Blue Jays bullpen. Only time will tell if they can build a bullpen that can consistently shut down opposing offenses and help the team achieve its ultimate goal: a World Series title. Keep your eye on these guys, because baseball is coming!