There was much hand-wringing yesterday as a potential comeback slipped away faster than you can say, “Oops, an 8-spot.” Much angst was directed at the manager who “let” the game get away just as the A’s were gaining momentum for what could have been another Latemagicfest.
What yesterday provided, though, was not evidence of a manager misusing pitchers nor a skipper giving up prematurely. It was an example of how the front office has constructed a bullpen that ties Melvin’s hands in games like Sunday’s.
The A’s have 8 relievers, who can easily be placed into one of three categories:
- Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, and Ryan Buchter are “plus relievers” you want to see in the game if you’re an A’s fan.