Last night I reviewed the position battles for the 2011 bullpen, noting that there would likely be one or two open bullpen spots. I also mentioned that it was expected that Joel Hanrahan would win the closer’s role, and that Joe Beimel would win a roster spot and be named to the bullpen.
The Pirates confirmed both of those moves today. The team Twitter account announced that Hanrahan was named the closer, and Rob Biertempfel reported that Beimel will serve in the left handed set-up role. That makes Hanrahan, Evan Meek, and Beimel as the late inning relievers.
There are still open bullpen spots, as these two moves were both expected.
