Jun 15, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Furbush throws against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Setup men
- Tim Collins (Kansas City Royals)– Worcester, MA
The 5’7″ “Tiny Tim” has quietly developed into a solid relief pitcher for the Royals in recent seasons. His 2014 season hasn’t gone perfectly as he has missed some time with a pinky injury and then was demoted to Triple-A, but he hasn’t been terrible in 18 appearances for the big club. His ERA stands at a respectable 4.15 but he has been significantly more successful in recent seasons as he owns a 3.56 career ERA and appeared in 68, 72, and 66 games respectively from 2011-2013 so there’s certainly hope that Collins can rebound this year and in the future.
- Charlie Furbush (Seattle Mariners)– South Portland, ME
One of three Mainers on the roster of the All-New England team, Furbush represents a solid left-handed option out of the bullpen. Traded to the Mariners as part of the Doug Fister trade, Furbush has become a great left-hander for the M’s and, though his 3.96 ERA in 2014 isn’t spectacular, his 3.16 FIP suggests that his results should be better. The hard-throwing southpaw would become one of the better relievers on the New Englanders.