[BigRedChief]

Mozeliak’s bullpen makeover is a dramatic success.

In 13 games since the maneuvering ended, Cardinals relievers have a 1.34 ERA. That’s the best in the NL and second in the majors to Oakland (1.13) since July 27. The Cardinals are 9-4 after reinforcing the weakest part of the team and turning it into a steady, sturdy asset.

The remodeling was basically a three-stage process.

First, the Cardinals designated two terrible relievers for asspignment (righty Greg Holland, lefty Tyler Lyons) and placed a third (left-hander Brett Cecil) on the disabled list.

In phase two, rookies Austin Gomber (a lefty), Daniel Poncedeleon and Dakota Hudson were promoted from Triple-A Memphis and given bullpen jobs. Another rookie, lefty Tyler Webb, had been picked up from the Padres on a waiver claim. After demonstrating his talent for a while at Memphis, Webb was summoned to St. Louis to join the build-a-better-bullpen movement.

Third, the Cardinals traded Triple-A first baseman Luke Voit and international bonus money to the Yankees for left-handed reliever Chasen Shreve and right-handed reliever Giovanny Gallegos. Shreve immediately joined the St. Louis bullpen, and Gallegos reported to Memphis.

The fresh arms have made a difference, teaming with Bud Norris, Jordan Hicks and Mike Mayers, the three most reliable relievers that have worked out of the Cardinals’ bullpen all season.

Over the last two weeks, Cards’ relievers have allowed an opponents’ batting average of .170 , an on-base percentage of .243 and a slugging percentage of .261.

In the 15 games before Mozeliak’s massive reform, the worn St. Louis bullpen had been battered for a .356 average, .442 OBP and .522 slugging.

The six rookies have combined to pitch 32 2/3 of the 47 bullpen innings since July 27, allowing only four earned runs for a 1.10 ERA. Hudson hasn’t given up an earned run in his first 8 2/3 big-league innings.
——————————————
From Bernie’s column on the Athletic.