In the cellar after eight games, the bright spot in York's 2-6 start is the number of problems with the team. The Revolution bullpen has been terrible, the latest evidence came in the season-opening 11-6 loss when relievers allowed eight runs in four innings.
Starting pitching ... check.
Hitting ... check.
Defense ... check.
Now contrast that with last season. The club couldn't hit. It couldn't pitch. It couldn't field. And it had some chemistry issues, albeit a chemistry problem that appeared fixed after one trade.
The bullpen is a big concern right now, however. Revs relievers have a 8.90 ERA, and that's bad in any league. They've surrendered 54 hits in 31 1/3 innings.
But don't expect another 8-20 start.
Talking to York manager Chris Hoiles before Saturday's game, he expects to see improvement from his bullpen for the simple reason he has a number of quality pitchers. Some have succeeded in the majors, some pitched well in the league last year. Some pitched well in affiliated baseball.
But the next two series will help determine how to view the bullpen and this team. If York can find some dependable arms, and remain about two games out of first place -- nobody will remember that opening week struggles.
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