Creativity key to Marlins’ formidable bullpen

MIAMI — Kyle Barraclough was an unheralded Double-A right-hander in the Cardinals’ system. David Phelps started off with the Yankees as a spot starter and long reliever. And A.J. Ramos, the Marlins’ 21st-round pick in 2009, beat the odds by becoming an All-Star.

None of the three received much fanfare entering the 2016 season, but they ended up statistically ranking among the top relievers in the Majors. They also serve as a reminder that quality bullpen arms can be discovered in different ways.

As the Marlins prepare to construct their 2017 roster, they are open to ideas when it comes to piecing together their bullpen.

“For us, you have to be creative,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. “You have to acquire talent by any means necessary, when you’re in a situation where you don’t have the ability to go out and spend as much as others.”

Barraclough was a midseason acquisition for Steve Cishek in 2015. The right-hander, who actually started off the season at Triple-A New Orleans due to control issues, ended up being a workhorse in Miami. He appeared in 75 games, tied for the ninth-highest …

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