WATCH: Craig Counsell breaks down bullpen strategy and player roles |
Tony Crumpton
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- Monday, February 17 2025
Craig Counsell spoke to the media about how he wants to build his bullpen for 2025, what traits he considers for a closer role, thoughts on the starting rotation and much more.
Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
Bullpen Construction Philosophy (00:01-00:39): The best relievers are placed in high-leverage situations. The bullpen functions as an eight-man unit covering about three innings per game. The later innings are more challenging due to increased strategy from the opposing team.
Josh Hader’s Development (01:14-02:24): Initially a starter in the minors, Hader transitioned to a reliever out of necessity, eventually excelling in shorter relief appearances. Different relievers develop in different ways.
Ben Brown’s Adaptability (03:01-03:36): Brown performed well despite role changes, showing resilience and skill. The team values starter development but acknowledges the importance of elite relievers.
Bullpen Depth (03:36-04:14): While the current bullpen depth is promising, there’s never complete comfort due to the unpredictability of pitching needs.
Key Roster Upgrades (04:14-04:47): The addition of experienced closer Ryan Pressly and a middle-of-the-order bat is significant, but improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary.
Alex Canario’s Role (05:17-05:59): Canario is out of options, making this a crucial camp for him. His primary role will be as a bench player, where he must perform offensively despite limited at-bats.
Challenges of Bench Role (05:59-06:42): Players in bench roles face difficulties due to inconsistent playing time, requiring strong mental and physical preparation.
Jameson Taillon’s Training (06:42-07:26): Taillon had a consistent season and is focused on maintaining athleticism and velocity while managing past injuries cautiously.
