Pirates Show Unique Ability To Build Bullpen
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington has had a knack for finding bullpen help from unusual places.
Left-hander Bobby LaFromboise is another in that group.
The 28-year-old was released by two major league teams last year only to pitch in critical September games for the Pirates. He was also included on the roster for the Wild Card game against the Giants.
In the off-season, the Pirates traded lefty reliever Justin Wilson, which would have opened up a spot. However, they also signed veteran lefty Antonio Bastardo.
Lefty Tony Watson is a lock to make this bullpen after going 10-2 with a 1.63 ERA last year.
"I think the competition brings out the best in everybody," LaFromboise said. "I go out and I see guys going out and putting up zeros and I'm like, alright good, now I want to put up a zero and prove I can do it too."
LaFromboise said despite the competition, the players help each other.
"There's a lot of good talent on this team," LaFromboise said. "It's going to be really hard to make this team. I'm just looking for the opportunity to try."
Spring stats can be interpreted many ways, depending on whether or not you are pitching well.
LaFromboise has pitched in five games and given up five runs, although four of those runs were as the team had a big lead against Detroit.
"You can't worry about what anybody else is doing," LaFromboise said. "You don't want to make the team because someone else who was supposed to make the team isn't doing well. You want to make the team because you deserve it."
"Problem is you can only carry seven guys in the bullpen. It's just a numbers game. I think we're making it really hard on our coaching staff."