Monday, May 6, 2013

Future Closers: A loot at the future of the futile position


Kansas City Royals
Current Closer: Greg Holland (3.75 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 7 SV, 2 BLSV, 19 K/12 IP)
Holland came in to relieve James Shields who was dominant over 8 frames today. He promptly gave up three straight singles. He then completed a 1-2-3 double play, followed by a walk with first base vacant to re-load the bases. The next batter Alexei Ramirez singled to 2B where the useless Chris Getz bobbled the ball which lead to a run scoring. Whew! Ned Yost has to be second guessing the move to pull Shields. I'm second guessing Holland's ability to be an elite stopper. Kelvin Herrera throws gas with a nice slider but he's been shaky in his save opportunities as well. My proclamation is that Aaron Crow could be the simplest answer at closer with Herrera and Holland sharing 7th and 8th inning duties respectively.

The future: Aaron Crow - (1.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP 1 SV, 5 HLD, 5 K thru 8.1 IP)


Houston Astros
Current Closer: Jose Veras, age 32 (5.24 ERA, 2 BLSV, 2 SV)
This team may only win 40 games this year and that in itself is epic futility. However, in games they do win, chances are they will be close games. Veras is not proven, has an ERA over five and two losses to go with his two saves. My speculation is just that, but I believe the answer to their future closer role is in Triple-A. Jarred Cosart has turned up the K rate this year as a starter, but with all the starters they have Cosart may get his first shot in the Bigs as the closer for the befuddled 'Stros.

The future: Cosart in AAA - (3-0, 2.63 ERA, 29 K thru 27.1 IP)

Miami Marlins
Current Closer: Steve Cishek (4.84 ERA, 4 S, 3 L)
I still dont understand why Cishek is the closer. I don't understand much the Marlins do to be honest. The bottom line here is that Cishek isn't a closer, he's a 7th-8th inning guy with nothing to over-power hitters. He's a ground ball pitcher in the biggest stadium in the league. It's just a weird fit. I think A.J. Ramos is the future for the Marlins and should be able to fireball his way into the position before season's end.

The future: A.J. Ramos so far in 2013 - (3.71 ERA, 18 K in 17 IP, 2 BLSV)

Other closer situations to monitor: 
Red Sox: Andrew Bailey hit the DL(biceps) on Monday with Joel Hanrahan sliding back into the closer role. Hanrahan has a 9.45 ERA and a 2.10 WHIP thus far. Koji Uehara would be next in line with Bailey out at least a week with his DL stint back dated to last week.
Brewers: Jim Henderson is holding down the fort right now and John Axford can't seem to pitch a clean inning with any consistency. Henderson has done well and boasts 6 saves without any blown chances. He also has 17 K thru 13 innings pitched. For some reason there is still a feeling that Axford will get another shot. I doubt that, and I doubt Henderson can keep up this production as well. They have no one else to turn to, I for one would like to see Wily Peralta become a closer, he can't seem to be an effective starter but getting three outs could be a nice fit for him.