Shots Across the Bow: Three's Company

Friday, 15 February 2013 17:18

Written by Bill Brink

BRADENTON, Fla. -- That Jason Grilli will serve as the closer represents the only certainty we know about the Pirates' bullpen.

It appears likely that the team will bring two left-handed relievers -- Tony Watson and one other -- north with them. That is possibly Justin Wilson, but could be Mike Zagurski, Jeff Locke or Kris Johnson. If Locke is not the long man, Chris Leroux probably will be. Vin Mazzaro was a possibility for a spot because he is out of options but his removal from the 40-man roster put that in doubt. Bryan Morris is also out of options.

It seems, though, that Watson, Jared Hughes and Mark Melancon are the best bets to take over the eighth-inning role that Grilli vacated. In today's Post-Gazette, the trio talks about the set-up role.

"We do have a lot of talented young pitchers, a lot of guys with good stuff who can really just throw strikes and attack the hitters," Hughes said. "We're all going to be able to do the job."