Seattle Mariners Spring Training Preview: The Bullpen

Sep 4, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Danny Farquhar (40) and catcher Humberto Quintero (35) congratulate each other after the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Seattle beat Texas 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners have pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in Peoria, Arizona in four short days.

As we get closer to workouts, bullpen sessions, and Cactus League games, we here at Sodo Mojo are breaking down the M’s position by position to determine who will be starting where on Opening Day.

Yesterday, Jon broke down the 2015 infield.

Today, I am looking at the Seattle Mariners bullpen, breaking into three distinct groups as the Spring Training excitement inches closer and closer.

First, let’s look at what the 2014 squad produced in the ‘Pen: 500.00 innings pitched, a 2.59 ERA, a 1.160 WHIP, 51 saves, 144 Earned Runs, 175 walks and 5o3 strikeouts.

That 2.59 ERA led all of baseball in 2014. And aside from Brandon Maurer and the recent release that Joe Beimel will not be returning to the Mariners in 2015, the rest of the bullpen is returning for another season.

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As we break down what the 2015 bullpen will look like on Opening Day, I am carrying two key assumption: 1. Lloyd McClendon will carry a 7-man rotation; and 2. All predictions are assuming each of the potential pitchers remains healthy throughout Spring Training.

Breaking down who we will see in 2015, I have three categories: 1. The shoe-ins; 2. The Maybes; and 3. On the Outside Looking In.

To save the suspense for as long as possible, I will begin with the shoe-ins, many of whom you’ve heard of before, or watched pitch in a Mariners uniform.

Next: The Locks, or Shoe-Ins