San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Bullpen, Joe Panik, Kontos or Machi

Feb 19, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Javier Lopez (49) talks with manager Bruce Bochy during spring training workouts at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Bochy is certainly aware of the concerns surrounding the starting rotation in 2015, in terms of Madison Bumgarner‘s workload last season, the age of most of the starters, and Tim Lincecum‘s inconsistency. However, it seems as if Bochy and Brian Sabean feel more comfortable and confident about the rotation because of the presence of two long relievers out of the bullpen.

With both Yusmeiro Petit and Ryan Vogelsong available in the bullpen, that gives the Giants options if one starter is struggling, injured, or just might need some rest. In addition, if one starter is dealing with a minor ailment, Bochy could be more willing to put the starter on the DL as a precaution and use another available starter in their spot.

The Giants technically have seven capable starters, which will come in handy but could also prevent the potential overuse of other key bullpen pitchers, such as Sergio Romo, Javier Lopez, Jeremy Affeldt, and Santiago Casilla.

The Giants have more available options for the starters, but if there are injuries or multiple starters are struggling, it’s quite possible that their inconsistency could eventually mean more innings for those other relievers. However, given the amount of options the Giants have (for starters and for tweaking the roster), Bochy will find a way to protect his late-inning relievers and not overwork them.

He knows how valuable Romo, Lopez, Affeldt, and Casilla are, and he could put a starter on the DL, replace him with one of the long relievers, and call up a reliever from Triple-A if he wants to give some of those relievers some extra rest.

Next: Will Panik Make Up for Sandoval's Absence in Lineup?