San Francisco Giants 2016 Season Grades: The Bullpen

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Sep 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Will Smith (13) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. San Francisco won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

B. Will Smith has been a bit of a scapegoat lately. I like the trade, and I liked what he brings to the team. However, it just wasn’t what the Giants needed from a personnel standpoint. Will Smith though had a good season as a Giant. He had an opponent’s batting average of less than .200 in his 18 innings as a Giant. Smith should have plenty to build on as he enters his contract year. I think Giants fans will see how good he can be come next season.<br />. RP. San Francisco Giants. WILL SMITH

Aug 17, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland (60) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports /

RP. San Francisco Giants. HUNTER STRICKLAND. B. Hunter Strickland is MUCH improved from his rookie campaign and he’s built on his solid rookie season. Strickland is a big favorite for the closer role, mainly because of his velocity. However, Strickland hasn’t done much to win that role over, going 3/8 in save opps. this year. His five blown saves are what knocks a season that could’ve gotten an A- down to a B. An ERA of 3.10 and 1.13 WHIP is not too shabby. Strickland is definitely a serious bull-pen piece going forward, I just don’t think he’s cut out for the closer role.<br />

Sep 30, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez (49) and his children Kylan and Christian in the dugout before the start of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

<a rel=. RP. San Francisco Giants. JAVY LOPEZ. C+