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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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Jun 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon (35) reacts with catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) after getting the save against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. The Pirates won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon (35) reacts with catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) after getting the save against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. The Pirates won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Mark Melancon

Mark Melancon stepped into the closer role after Jason Grille imploded and traded to the Angels in 2014.  Melancon is very dependable when it comes to closing out games.  Last season he set a Pirates record and led the majors in saves with 51.  He is what you want out of a closer, worrying about getting those three outs no matter the cost.  Melancon already has 10 saves this season and should continue his dominance over baseball through the rest of this year.

Next: Who are the Greatest Coaches in Pittsburgh Sports History?

We have seen the good and bad from the Pirates bullpen the early part of this season after being spoiled over the past two seasons with some of the best relief pitching in baseball.   Let’s hope the shark tank gets back the form that made it one of the best in baseball.

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