The Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen has been a topic of conversation lately, with some standout performances but a sense that something's missing. Dennis Santana brings consistency, and Gregory Soto is a formidable power lefty. Justin Lawrence showed promise last season, hinting at a potentially big year alongside Isaac Mattson.
But with David Bednar currently showcasing his skills for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Pirates fans can't help but wonder how his presence might elevate the bullpen's performance in Pittsburgh.
Bednar, a two-time All-Star, was a key figure for the Pirates until he was traded during last season's deadline sell-off. Now, with the franchise investing in veterans and aiming to compete, the decision to trade Bednar seems questionable. One has to wonder if GM Ben Cherington would have made the same move had he known the team would be spending more this offseason.
In the recent high-stakes matchup against the Dominican Republic, Bednar's performance was a rollercoaster of emotions. He managed to escape a tight spot and secure a win for Team USA, but not without creating some drama along the way.
As Pirates fans watched, they were reminded of Bednar's familiar mix of brilliance and tension. Against the Dominican Republic, he induced a pop-up from Julio Rodriguez but then allowed a double to Austin Wells and a single to Geraldo Perdomo, who promptly stole second. With the top of the lineup looming, Bednar dug deep, striking out Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ketel Marte to escape unscathed.
This wasn't the first time Bednar danced with danger in the tournament. In the quarterfinal against Canada, he faced a similar predicament with runners in scoring position and no outs. Yet again, he delivered three consecutive strikeouts to end the threat.
Pittsburgh fans know this pattern well-Bednar's knack for getting into and out of jams is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. When he's on, it's a spectacle. But when things go awry, the Pirates have had to send him down to Triple-A to recalibrate.
As fans reminisce about Bednar's exhilarating highs, they also remember the moments of frustration. His ability to escape trouble is impressive, but it’s not always necessary to flirt with disaster in the ninth inning.