Bullpen Really Making Quite a Name for Itself

The names are different, but the results are strikingly familiar.

Dodgers relievers have pitched so well in recent weeks that it’s hard to believe the back end of the bullpen doesn’t include Eric Gagne, Danys Baez or Yhency Brazoban.

In fact, none of the current relievers was in the bullpen to start the season, and only converted starter Brett Tomko was on the opening day roster.

The collection of newcomers have combined to post a 1.20 earned-run average during the Dodgers’ 11-game winning streak.

“This bullpen we have is operating at a very high level of confidence right now,” Manager Grady Little said.

“Everyone that comes out of that gate, we’ve gotten to where we know what to expect and they’ve been getting very good results. They’ve been very consistent.”

Closer Takashi Saito and rookie Jonathan Broxton have been especially dependable, combining for 12 2/3 scoreless innings during the last 11 games. Saito has converted all 12 save opportunities this season.

“He’s been a reliable guy every time out,” Tomko said. “It’s been a big thing for us having that guy down there ready to go and pitching well.”

Broxton says that the bullpen’s success has been a function of an offense that averaged 7.2 runs over the previous 10 victories before Tuesday.

“That’s the big thing,” said Broxton, who was limiting batters to a .222 average coming into Tuesday’s game. “You come into a game and you have a three- or four-run lead, you just relax and throw your pitches. But if you come in and it’s a 1-0 ballgame, you’ve got to be a little more careful about your stuff, and that’s when you get in a little more trouble.”

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The Dodgers attempted to trade Ricky Ledee before the New York Mets claimed the reserve outfielder off waivers Monday, but the Mets’ offer was so meager that the Dodgers decided to essentially give away the seldom-used player.

“We needed the roster spot and his playing time was starting to be less and less,” General Manager Ned Colletti said of Ledee, who hit .245 in only 53 at-bats and spent more than two months on the disabled list because of a pulled groin. “He also deserved an opportunity to play more.”

Colletti said he was satisfied that James Loney and Matt Kemp would provide adequate outfield depth for the rest of the season.

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A day after returning from the disabled list and subbing at first base for the injured Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent was back at second base Tuesday against Colorado. Loney played first base, with Garciaparra expected to return today from the sprained right knee that landed him on the disabled list last month.

Little said he sensed a “much more comfortable feeling” from Loney since the prospect was promoted late last month for his second stint this season with the team. The rookie has recorded the first three-hit and multi-RBI games of his career this month. “He knows he’s a major league player now,” Little said.