Everybody knows that Buck Showalter has a lot more options in the bullpen than his predecessor did a year ago at this time. He's got a new closer candidate in Kevin Gregg and -- so far -- no reason to doubt the availability of right-hander Koji Uehara and left-hander Michael Gonzalez.
Last year at this time, Gonzalez was battling arm issues and Uehara was soon to start the season on the disabled list. This year, they have looked fine in their first bullpen sessions, and the late-inning depth doesn't stop there. Jim Johnson and Jeremy Accardo also have closer experience, so Showalter will have some decisions to make -- but on who will be in the bullpen and how they will be used.
"Everything [will be] according to the strengths of our players,'' Showalter said. "Everybody likes to have a clear-cut closer, but we'll see how it develops."
The question about the eventual structure of the bullpen was probably premature, but Showalter tried to frame his answer in a way that kept his mind and all his options open.
"It's too early,'' he said. "If we can keep the Orioles as our priority -- keep the focus on winning games -- we've got a chance to have a pretty good bullpen."
Right now, you'd have to think the predominant reliever in the ninth inning will be Gregg (above), who was one of the top save guys in the American League last year for the Toronto Blue Jays. Uehara's terrific control certainly is attractive, but he still has to prove that he can be depended on to remain available all season.
There's also plenty of possible scenarios for the setup and middle-relief situations.
"Those things have a way of solving themselves,'' Showalter said. "I've got to say if we're still talking (about that) here on March 28 ... I hope they're all doing well and we've got a real challenge for the manager and pitching coach."
Associated Press photos
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