As the Indians Roster Stands Today; Who Will Get Batters Out in the Bullpen?

Friday the Indians officially lost another player that has been a big part of their success over their recent winning ways, as all-time saves leader Cody Allenagreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

The loss of Allen is not a surprise in the least, as he was not the same solid closer last season as he was from when he took over the role in 2014.

The loss of Allen means that the two top pitchers at the back end of the teams' 2018 bullpen, Andrew Miller and Allen, are now both with new teams, as Miller inked earlier this offseason with the St.Louis Cardinals.

Losing Miller and Allen was not a surprise, as Miller's injury woes last season along with Allen's inability to right himself and get back to form for the most part spelled their own end with the franchise as much as money was going to be tight to try to bring either of them back for 2019 anyway.

So with that, and more backlash from a fan base that's been tested already this offseason, it's time to look inside the roster as to what options this team has for a bullpen to try and make sure they can be better and hold teams down in 2019.

1. The Closer Role

The moment that the team last July pulled off a deal with the San Diego Padres for closer Brad Hand and fellow reliever Adam Cimber, the team basically had turned the page to make Hand the teams' future closer.

Hand came to the team with a solid resume, as he had saved 24 games with the Padres before the deal to come to the Tribe, and with the Indians he closed eight games in 27.2 innings.

Hand allowed seven runs in his time with the Indians with a 2.28 ERA, and will enter the spring as the closer just like the plan was when he was dealt for.

With the Padres he closed 46 games with a 2.66 ERA in three years. If he can do that with the Indians, he will be even more of a welcome addition to the closer role.

2. Who Will be in the Setup Role?

Great question, and one that likely won't get decided until the first pitch is thrown on March 28th in Minnesota against the Twins.

If you look at the teams' official depth chart (which at this point is subject to change so don't put too much stock into it), Adam Cimber is the first name listed under Hand, giving the impression that he might be the guy in the 8th inning.

Cimber had his issues in his time with the Indians after the deal to bring him to Cleveland, as his ERA was 4.05 in just 20 innings, allowing nine runs.

In 48.1 innings with the Padres he allowed just 17 runs, boasting a 3.17 ERA, a lot more manageable for a guy who might only pitch to a couple of batters and might only be called upon every few days.

Jon Edwards who threw in nine games for the Indians might also get a shot to pitch late in games, as his name has been mentioned a few times by the team as one that could have an impact.

Look for plenty of guys to get chances once the team arrives in Goodyear, Arizona in February.

3. Could a Starter Help in the Pen?

The Indians starting pitching depth could be a key when it comes to how the bullpen plays out, as if you look at the back end of the rotation, there's plenty of directions the team can go in.

Right now as it stands the rotation looks like this - Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber.

Those five players won 73 games combined, and unless a deal pops up that sees the team move Kluber or Bauer, it looks like the starting five (barring injury) is set.

That leaves these players on the outside looking in who could start games - Adam Plutko (4-5 last year), Danny Salazar (11-6 and an All-Star in 2016), and Cody Anderson (7-3 in 15 starts in 2015).

Salazar and Anderson are both looking to make impacts on the roster after injuries that kept them from pitching last season, and Plutko did get chances and could be an asset as a long man in the pen.

Having starting pitching depth is one of the key things this team has right now, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Plutko start the year in the pen to give this team some stability that might be able to get batters out.

4. And All the Rest?

Again if this team's roster stays pat and a major move isn't made before the start of the season to add more arms in the pen, here's a list of five current players on the roster that will all get long looks in Goodyear to earn roster spots and time on the mound when it matters:

Nick Goody
Tyler Olson
Dan Otero
Neil Ramirez
Ben Taylor

Not exactly five pitchers that are going to strike fear in the hearts of opponents, but the team really needs at least two of these pitchers to step up and get batters out.

Goody last season threw in just 12 games due to injury but in those games sported an ERA of 6.94, Olson in 43 games had an ERA of 4.94, Otero's era in 61 games was 5.22, Ramirez a 4.54 ERA in 47 games, and Taylor in six games an ERA of 6.00.

Ouch.

It's not a stretch to think that this team is going to have a revolving door for bullpen spots like last season if these give guys can't produce, and they can't stand pat and give away games just to let guys get comfortable in their roles.

Goody coming off elbow surgery is one name to look for, as two years ago he put up a 2.80 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 72:20 K:BB In 54.2 innings, if he can get back to that form in some regard, the team will use him plenty.

Look for plenty of arms to come through the door in Arizona and even a number of players from Columbus and Akron to get looks as the team tries to find players that can get batters out.