Orioles 2009 Bullpen

Here is what will probably make up the O's bullpen next season with it being highly unlikely that they will sign any free agent relief pitchers.

1. Chris Ray-He should contend at one of the back of the bullpen spots with him already proving himself in the Major Leagues with a 3.19 ERA in 149 career innings.Probably will start of slow though do not expect him to be the closer right away.

2. Jim Johnson-was terrific for the Orioles last season and he should still remain the eighth inning guy or even the closer. The O's probably will keep him in the bullpen where he has proven to be effective. It is hard to argue against a 2.23 ERA in 68 and two-thirds innings

3.George Sherril-An all-star last season, but in the all-star game got screwed up which lead to an ERA that was 2.5 runs higher than it was before the all-star game. Should return to normal and contend for a closer or setup man spot. He is a nice pitcher to have pitching the 7Th inning.

4.Dennis Sarfate- The Orioles learned a lesson last summer when they tried to make him a starter and that turned out almost as good as the Falcons trading away Brett Favre. As a starter he had a 10.34 ERA, but as a reliever he had a 3.38 ERA nearly 7 runs better. Sarfate is progress well after surgery and should be an excellent middle relief man this year.

5. Jaime Walker-Plagued by arm injuries this year he had a horrendous ERA of 6.87, which is 2.76 runs higher that his career ERA. Should return to normal and be used less then the past two seasons because of greater bullpen depth. Should revert back to previous role as a left-handed specialist.

6. Kam Mickolio- Needs to have better command and is like Daniel Cabrera in size with him being 6-9. If he can control his stuff better it would create a lot more competition in the bullpen and would make him one of the best pitchers they have.

7. Brain Burres- Will probably be the long man for the O's since he is not really starter material. May have competition from others if he does not perform.

Players on the Fringe:
1. Danyz Baez- Did not pitch at all last season and had a 6.44 ERA the year before. With one year left on his contract he could find his way into the bullpen at the beginning of the season if he is healthy just because he is owed over six million this year.

2.Lance Cormier- will probably fight Brian Burres for the long reliever spot. He had a 4.02 ERA last season, which is a lot better than Burres's ERA.

3.Jim Miller- The 26 year-old got his first big league shot last season in which he had a 1.17 ERA over 7+ innings. He adds depth to the bullpen and he might get a shot this season if he performs well enough in triple-A.

4.Bob McCrory- The 26 year-old did not do so well in 8 games amassing a 15.63 ERA.He has proven himself at Norfolk already and just need to make that jump to the big show.