Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Bad bullpen returns

Sep 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Jake Petricka (52) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

For the past week or so the Chicago White Sox bullpen was respectable with their play, but to start this week, the bullpen that we’ve seen a lot this season returned … and it can go away again.

Sep 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) makes a pitching change against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

John Danks FINALLY pitched a game good enough to show why he’s the highest paid player on the team, but his bullpen wasn’t good enough to keep the three-run lead he gave them after six innings.

I’m not surprised to see that result, but my hope is to not see it as much in ’15. We all know the White Sox are going to make some changes with the bullpen, and though I would like to have Jake Petricka in the bullpen next season, I still would like to see the “Good Guys” get a “lights-out” closer next season.

In a little closer look at last night’s loss, the bullpen of the White Sox allowed three earned runs (four totalruns) off the pitching of Javy Guerra, Zach Putnam and Petricka, who fell to 1-5 on the season in relief.

Those three not only lost the lead, but allow a total of seven hits, two walks and the aforementioned four runs (three earned) in 2.2 innings of relief.

Maybe it was just a bad night for the bullpen, but I still believe there are just a few missing pieces that could really strengthen them next season.

Thoughts?

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