MAJOR LEAGUES Good left-handers scarce in bullpens

Several teams broke spring training without even one southpaw in their pen.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
MILWAUKEE -- With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel, where have you gone, Jesse Orosco?
When Orosco retired this year at age 66 -- OK, he was really only 46 -- he must have taken all the reliable left-handed relievers with him. Teams across the majors had nothing but trouble in spring training finding lefties to put in their bullpens.
Four clubs -- the Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros, Anaheim Angels and San Diego Padres -- broke camp without a lefty in the bullpen. At the last minute, the Padres picked up Cuban journeyman Eddie Oropesa, who has hardly distinguished himself.
When starter Andy Pettitte went on the disabled list last weekend, the Astros called up Mike Gallo, giving them a lefty in the pen. The Angels and Brewers continue to make do without one.
Unhappy with the performances of left-handed relievers Mark Guthrie and Joe Beimel during exhibition season, the Pittsburgh Pirates punted both and opted to keep inexperienced John Grabow.
"My theory is: Why keep a left-hander who isn't throwing the ball well?" said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, who decided at the end of spring camp to send submarining lefty Chris Michalak to Class AAA Indianapolis for more work.
Shortage of quality lefties
"I think there's a shortage of quality lefties. We've gotten so specialized that maybe they don't pitch enough. If you bring in a left-hander to face a left-handed batter and the other team pinch hits a right-handed hitter, then the matchup isn't in your favor.
"I think it's getting to the point where teams say unless you've got a quality left-hander, they'd rather go with a right-hander with better stuff."
Many teams kept left-handed relievers at the end of spring training merely because they were out of minor-league options and might be claimed on waivers. Minnesota followed that path with Australian lefty Brad Thomas, but finally conceded and designed him for assignment after he performed poorly.
Mulholland still around
To replace Thomas, the Twins picked up one of the true survivors among left-handed pitchers, 41-year-old Terry Mulholland. He signed a minor-league deal with Seattle in the spring with the understanding he could go elsewhere if the Mariners didn't keep him in the majors.
Mulholland is living proof that if you're left-handed and can get anybody out, you can pitch for as long as you like. With a career record of 119-131 and a 4.37 earned run average, he is in his 18th major league season, with his 10th club.
To acquire Mulholland, the Twins bought his contract from Seattle's rookie Everett, Wash., club for $1.
"It's a dollar well spent," Mulholland told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
With the current dearth of quality left-handed relievers, the price indeed was right.
As further proof of the shortage of left-handed relievers, the Philadelphia Phillies tried to get 42-year-old Dan Plesac to put off retirement plans and return for this season. Plesac certainly had gas left in his tank, as evidence by his 2.70 ERA in 58 appearances in 2003.
But after 18 years in the majors, Plesac decided to devote all of his energy to his true passion, harness racing.