FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -Based solely on resumes, the Orioles' 2009 bullpen should be a major strength.
George Sherrill is an All-Star closer, and Chris Ray has a 33-save season and an electric arsenal. Jim Johnson was one of baseball's best setup men last year, and veteran Jamie Walker has made a career of shutting down left-handed hitters.
Dennis Sarfate and Matt Albers are young, versatile pitchers with strong arms and untapped potential.
On paper, this version of the Orioles' bullpen looks to be the club's best since 2002, when it ranked second in the American League in ERA.
But there's a catch - one that will go a long way toward determining the success of this season.
All six pitchers spent time on the disabled list last year. All six, to differing extents, have to be monitored closely in hopes of keeping them injury-free for an entire season.
"I just hope we all stay healthy. That would be the main thing," said Albers, who missed three months with an ailing right shoulder. "But I think we can all stay healthy because we have enough guys to where we can pick up for each other and guys can take a day off if they are throwing too much."
The list of injuries is extensive - and concerning.
Ray didn't pitch in the big leagues last year after elbow surgery in 2007. Albers is throwing with a slight tear in his labrum. Johnson is shut down with a shoulder impingement and is uncertain for Opening Day.
Walker pitched with elbow discomfort much of last season, and his 6.87 ERA was by far a career worst for a full season. Sherrill threw a career-high 58 1/3 innings and posted a 6.59 ERA after the All-Star break. And Sarfate missed the last month of 2008 with a fractured clavicle.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley is acutely aware of the situation. Through the first 20 games of the spring, he has been conscious of not pitching his relievers on consecutive days. That will have to change, though, as the season approaches.
"We have not overextended anybody in spring training. We have given guys extra days," Trembley said. "I've always felt that as spring training draws to a conclusion, those guys get closer to that game-type atmosphere. You close the gap. You start getting them in roles they are going to be more accustomed to. And everything will be fine."
If everyone is healthy, the roles are already defined. Trembley is keeping Sherrill in the closer's role, but to maintain Sherrill's effectiveness, he'll be spelled by Ray.
