If anything is certain about Kansas City’s bullpen visa-a-vis its starting rotation, it’s that the former is a little bit better than the latter. But that doesn’t mean new KC Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo can ignore the bullpen this winter. While he may devote more time and attention to supplementing the rotation, the relievers require some retooling. The additions this season of Domingo Tapia and Joel Payamps have paid off handsomely, and Josh Staumont and Scott Barlow are developing into a strong late-inning pair, but weaknesses must be remedied.
With changes in store, four relievers who’ve pitched regularly in Kansas City this year might not be back next season.