First thing’s first, let’s get something out of the way. A strong bullpen can’t win a team many games on its own. Any successful team needs at least average starting pitching and an offense that can produce runs. This Orioles team would not be saved by a stronger performance from the closer, or contending with better middle-relief. But Baltimore has seen several players regress this year out of the bullpen.
During the Orioles most recent window of winning, the bullpen was highly respected throughout the league. In fact, their relievers were often lauded for offsetting a relatively mundane starting rotation.