Carlos Villanueva is Nasty...In the Bullpen

I don't know if you've noticed, but Carlos Villanueva has been simply amazing since being moved to the bullpen. Who'd of thought, right?

Since being moved to the pen, Villanueva has made three relief appearances. In those appearances, he's pitched 5 innings, allowed just three hits (two of them were infield singles last night), allowed zero runs, no walks surrendered and has struck out 7. He's been downright nasty.

I realize Torres has pitched extremely well since being given the closer role, but Villanueva is this team's closer. I'll say it again, he has the perfect mentality for it. The man is a bulldog and always attacks hitters. I like how Ned is using him now, throwing him out there in the 7th and allowing him to pitch the 7th and 8th to give Mota a rest when needed. I'd continue using him in the 7th for the time being, but start to cut back on his two inning appearances. We don't want to wear him down like he did last year.

There's no reason to pull Torres from the ninth, unless he goes Gagne on us. If he does, Carlos is the guy to step in. Until then though, I'd continue to toss him out there in the setup role, allowing him to gain confidence. Eventually, I'd swap him and Mota. A 7th, 8th and 9th of Mota, Villanueva and Torres could be pretty formidable down the stretch.

Funny how all of a sudden the Brewers bullpen has become a strength, isn't it? Villanueva has been a shot in the arm for them, Dillard has looked extremely well, Turnbow is gone, Gagne is resting and the pitchers have started to get past the 5th inning on a regular basis.