They need just one of Fields-Sip-Harris-Thatcher to be consistent enough. Neshek/Gregerson aren't going to be blowing saves left and right, and are doing what they're paid to do. Another problem is starting pitching getting past the 5th-6th inning. You do better there, you don't have to rely as much on the "unknown" guys in the bullpen. Ideally, Harris is the 7th inning guy, and Sipp-Thatcher are mainly LOOGYs that can occasionally be used against righties if other guys aren't available. Fields is the big wild card... he's gone from spectacular to completely awful as of late. Maybe he's got a bit of dead-arm/fatigue going. If he gets back on track, him and Harris are interchangeable.
Agree with all of this, but I think the key is the starting pitching. The bullpen was doing well earlier when McHugh and Feldman were consistently eating innings along with Keuchel. Plus usually a 4th starter during the week was doing the same. With McHugh going less deep, VV/LMC both hitting high pitch counts, and the last slot being a rotating mess...that's such a consistent tax on the pen. Feldman and a trade target could be huge for bringing the pen back
Agreed. Fields and Harris have begun to show slight diminishing returns with increased exposure. I still think both have great stuff... and this is the time of year where arms can start responding slower to increased appearances/work-loads, so perhaps that is playing a role in their recent results. I'm not currently worried about the bullpen... but will be more worried if they don't acquire a proven quality starter.
