The performance of our bullpen in 2013 was a big key to the team's success. They were fairly consistent all year and didn't fall off like 2012. Grilli and Melanson did a great job in setup and closing roles while Justin Wilson and Tony Watson were two of the top bullpen lefties in all of baseball. Other setup men like Morris, Vin Mazzaro and spot starter/long reliever Jeanmar Gomez all did well in their roles .
For 2014 all the above names can be brought back through arbitration, signed contracts or team control. The question is, should NH stand pat and make no major moves? He has never been in a position like this before with a bullpen in his tenure as GM.
I don't believe in keeping the status quo regarding a bullpen from one year to the next. We have reason to be optimistic about this bullpen's potential for excellence in 2014 but I question whether they can maintain the success of 2013 into 2014 . I do think the lack of a true flame throwing righty could be costly. Grilli did not look as sharp after his return from injury and teams seemed to figure out Melanson in September. The trades of Vic Black and Duke Welker as PTBNL in the Byrd and Morneau deals removed two quality young arms from the system. I believe NH must continue to look for that flame throwing righty to complement the returning arms.