Phillies must-reads: Relievers show there is no one way to build a bullpen

By: George Gouvas, Contributor

On this Memorial Day edition of Phillies must-reads, the team's surprising bullpen is locked at, along with the value of Andres Blanco and more. 

Relievers show there is no one way to build a bullpen

A group of castoffs and journeyman. From closer Jeanmar Gomez to Andrew Bailey, the Phillies bullpen was expected by many, to easily be the worst in baseball an possibly one of the worst in history. Following an 0-4 start, this group seemed to be living up to that expectation, but as Matt Gelb shows us, there is no one way to build a successful bullpen.

Unlocking the Keystone

J.P. Crawford is considered the future at shortstop for the Phillies, but who will be his double-play partner? Currently, Cesar Hernandez is holding down the position, but what about Freddy Galvis? Those are only two possibilities of many possibilities. The Good Phight's Matt Winkelman has a few names that you may not know that could join Crawford in the middle of the Phillies diamond for years to come.

Super Sub Blanco proving his worth

When a team is rebuilding, as the Phillies are, a 32-year-old utility infielder rarely enters the train of thought of fans, media members or the organization's top brass. Andres Blanco is a very different story. His impact, not only on the field, but more importantly off, has made a huge difference on the entire roster and especially the young core of Latin American players. Matt Breen of Philly.com tells us more.

Pitcher Tom Eshelman happy to be with the Phillies organization

The monster haul for reliever Ken Giles seems to get better by the day. Meet Tom Eshelman, a 21-year old pitcher who doesn't possess the power of Vince Velasquez or the pure stuff of a Mark Appel, but this former College World Series star for Cal State Fullerton is thriving in his new organization and is quite happy with where he is.

Latin ballplayers give the Phillies much-needed flair

The Phillies were criticized for many years for the lack of international talent in their system. Times have changed and Sam Donellon tells us why the recent infusion of Latin ballplayers is just what the Phillies needed.

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