Mariners 25-Man Roster Ultimate Preview: Roster-Projected Bullpen

Sep 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Dan Altavilla (53) pitches in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Dan Altavilla (53) pitches in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 20, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher James Pazos (47) poses during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher James Pazos (47) poses during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

LHP- James Pazos

IP- 48   W- 3   L- 5   ERA- 3.88   WHIP- 1.22   K-57  WAR- .2

In the minor leagues last year, Pazos had an extremely impressive K/BB ratio at 13.5. In the major leagues, Pazos had an extremely unimpressive ERA at 13.50. Whoaaa, crazy how coincidences happen. But on a serious note, acquiring Pazos was a very Un-Dipoto move.

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Dipoto is not in the business of making trades for highly risky players. He likes his spare parts, but spare parts that have proven to be successful at points in their career.

Pazos is 25 and has only pitched 8 innings in the Majors in his career, and those 8 innings were not super encouraging.

However, Pazos does have extraordinary upside. His velocity is right up there with the best in the league, as he regularly hits 97-98 MPH on his fastball.  As I mentioned before his K/BB ratio is promising, but when he isn’t generating swings and misses the problems start to add up.

Pazos has had a promising spring and seems set to start the year at least in the bullpen. With Tony Zych and Steve Cishek getting healthy, Pazos is going to have to impress in a hurry, and won’t have a long leash.

However, I have confidence that Pazos will pull through and remain a steady bullpen arm throughout the year barring injury.

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