BastardBall: Too Much For Dominica

Ruben Amaro Jr. has made it official that Bastardo will work exclusively as a reliever in 2010 and has taken the appropriate measures to make sure Bastardo is ready for the transition. Antonio Bastardo has been pitching down in the Dominican Winter League and has been nothing short of domination. In 23 innings he has posted a 0.78 era, allowed only 9 hits and 5 walks, while striking out 32 batters.

Here is a link that explains his amazingness in better fashion

http://www.gigantesdelcibao.com/noticias/templates/noticia.asp?articleid=1917&zoneid=3

Bastardo will be in the pen the entire season and will be the primary lefty reliever when romero is injured. Assuming Madson stays with the Phillies after his current contract is up, the Phillies bullpen appears to have a very strong future. Madson, Bastardo, Mathieson, Rosenberg, and Schwimer should all have successful careers for the Phillies for years to come.

The 2010 major league bullpen will have its share of injuries like every bullpen does, and when that happens the Phillies will not need to sign or trade anyone because they will have a schmorgesborg of relief options down on the farm.