Farrell got little relief, learned big lessons from bullpen

John Farrell has learned from his first year as a major-league manager.

He felt last year he could have handled the bullpen better. But then a more experienced manager would have found that group a challenge.

"I think the biggest reflection is that if a guy struggles, not to run from him," Farrell said. "And to believe in him and stick with him through some rocky times.

"I think that goes a long way toward building their own confidence knowing that we have trust in them at that critical point in the game."

Last season, the bullpen had three pitchers with closing experience -- Octavio Dotel, Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco.

Rauch and Francisco handled most of the save opportunities. But the role never seemed settled until late in the season when Francisco took over. None is back this season.

This year, not only is Farrell more experienced, but he has better talent to work with, including Sergio Santos as closer. Experienced closer Francisco Cordero will set up, as could left-hander Darren Oliver. Jason Frasor, Casey Janssen and Carlos Villanueva are back as well.

"The key will be defined roles," Farrell said. "That's the case every year. You want players understanding where their time in the game is starting to come up.

"Dependability in the performance certainly (comes from) putting guys in the best position to have success."

Spring training can be used as a way of determining roles.

"I would say yes, but going into spring training I think there's a little more clarity to that," Farrell said. "Last year we had veteran guys who had experience and success in the closers' role, we had three of them.

"This year we will go in knowing that Sergio is our closer. And when you've got that defined commodity at the end it allows or a better probability for other guys to fall in line and bridge from the starter to Sergio to close out games. And having been with guys for a full year, I know them better -- what Casey is capable of, what Jason is capable of. There's more of a known commodity on my part too."

If Santos works out as a closer, the offseason might not look so disappointing after all. Having a solid closer makes the bullpen that much better and much easier to manage.

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