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Pirates: Bullpen a Roller Coaster Ride

By William Mellott

May 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff stretch in the outfield before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff stretch in the outfield before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Tony Watson (44) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Milwaukee Brewers won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
September 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Tony Watson (44) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Milwaukee Brewers won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE /

Tony Watson

Tony Watson has been not only one of the top left handed relievers for the Pirates, but quite possibly in all of baseball.  .Despite not having high expectations coming up through the minors, he proved to be a force to be reckon with once in the Pirates bullpen. In 2014, he was named an All-star for the first time while leading the MLB in appearances with 78.  He posted a 10-2 record that season with a outstanding ERA of 1.63.  Watson continues to be one of the best step up men in baseball.  His ERA was under 2 again last season and while is ERA has fluctuated to 2.70 this year, he has shown that he is still an elite reliever.  Being the Pirates’ set up man is a good place for him to hand the game over to the closer, Mark the Shark.

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