Halos know Bulger's value

Mamba · Apr 24, 2010

DAN WOIKE - If you judge Angels pitcher Jason Bulger by his numbers, you're just not going to get an accurate idea of how he's pitching. The nine hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings this season are ugly. The 8.10 ERA is cringe-worthy.

Two bad outings can do that to a reliever early in the season.

But Bulger, who appeared in three consecutive games against the Detroit Tigers this week and did not allow a run, is carving out a spot for himself in the bullpen as a peg capable of filling many holes.

"His role is when the phone rings, he's ready to pitch," pitching coach Mike Butcher said. "We'll lean on him at times for him to clean up an inning for us. Sometimes he'll start his own inning. He's got a lot of different roles, and every one is just as important as the other."

Bulger said it would be easier to know specifically how he will be used -- something most relievers say -- but he's cool doing a little of everything.

"It's easier if you know your role. It's a little easier to prepare mentally and physically, too. If you know you're going in late in the game, you can stretch yourself out at different times," he said.

"But I think the guys in our bullpen, we're all strong enough physically and mentally where it doesn't matter when the phone rings. We'll all be ready."

In the four-game series with Detroit, Bulger pitched in each of the final three games, allowing one hit and one walk and striking out four over two innings of work.

"Some of the things I did last year built confidence with this coaching staff and this team," he said. "It's knowing that if I have a bad outing, I'm going to bounce back the next day and be fine. That means a lot to me, and it boosts my confidence that the coaches go back to me."

Manager Mike Scioscia said he has seen Bulger get off to slow starts, and with Scot Shields having issues with his control, Scioscia knows he needs Bulger pitching well.

"Jason's mirrored what happened last year with him where he got off to a slow start," Scioscia said. "Once he got his confidence and got into a meaningful role, he really pitched well.

"We're starting to see that happen. It's an important part as we're waiting for Shields' game to get where it needs to be."

Heading into Friday night's game, the Angels had a .300 batting average over the past five years against the Yankees, the highest batting average of any team during the span.

Second baseman Howie Kendrick entered with a .409 average lifetime against the Yankees, the highest average against the Yankees of anyone with at least 100 plate appearances.
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http://www.pe.com/sports/baseball/angels/stories/PE_Sports_Local_W_angels_notes_24.48ab9ca.html

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Halos know Bulger's value

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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Halos know Bulger's value

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