Having previously given out the 2015 report cards to the Philadelphia Phillies infielders, outfielders, and catchers, it’s now the turn of the team’s relief pitchers to be evaluated. What most thought would be one of the few strengths this season turned out to be largely disappointing.
As the club headed to Clearwater to open spring training back in February, the bullpen was likely the least of manager Ryne Sandberg‘s concerns. He had proven veteran Jonathan Papelbon as the closer, flamethrower Ken Giles as a setup man, and the lefty-righty tandem of Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus to handle the 7th inning.