Bad bullpens are complex and catastrophic creatures. Often constructed with seemingly solid pieces, a brewing breach in a bad bullpen isn’t always immediately obvious or concerning before the season begins. In March, its shortcomings can hide behind a cushy combination that includes the irrelevancy of late inning spring training games, the generally overlooked bridge inning relief roles, and the oppressive optimism that comes before every new baseball season.
For these reasons, a precarious pen can linger, undetected and underestimated right up until the moment of calamity. But much like a hurricane on your wedding day or a raccoon infestation in your attic, a bad bullpen will wreck everything when its time comes.