Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: April 24, 2017: Benoit Back In Line For Saves & More
by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)
Are you someone constantly on the lookout for the next potential closer? That’s what we are trying to pinpoint here, with our Top 5 Closer In Waiting Power Rankings. These rankings look at the pitchers who appear capable of taking over their team’s respective closing duties (though in some cases, will need some help to get there). Keep in mind, if a pitcher is currently part of a committee they will not be included in these rankings (i.e. the Oakland A’s and Cincinnati Reds situations) despite not currently “holding” the job outright.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how things stand:
|
Rank
|
Player
|
Team
|
Current Closer
|
Note
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Joaquin Benoit (3) | Philadelphia Phillies | Hector Neris | It appears that a HR to Bryce Harper hadd cost him his job, with Hector Neris seemingly taking over (despite talk of a committee). Neris struggled in back-to-back outings (2 R on 5 H and 2 BB) over the weekend, so don’t be surprised to see Benoit get another chance to run with the roll. |
| 2. | Justin Wilson (5) | Detroit Tigers | Francisco Rodriguez | The thought had always been that Rodriguez wouldn’t lose his job unless he’s traded, though that could be quickly changing. He continues to struggle, allowing runs in five of his past seven outings, leading to a 5.87 ERA and 1.83 WHIP. If he doesn’t turn it around Wilson is going to get his opportunity, as he’s clearly outpitched him this season. |
| 3. | Sean Doolittle (1) | Oakland A’s | Santiago Casilla | With Doolittle not getting on opportunity since April 15 (when he blew a save), this doesn’t appear to be a committee. That said given Casilla’s track record from ’16 (9 BSV, 15 over past two years) it’s easy to imagine him struggling and relinquishing the role. |
| 4. | Corey Knebel (NR) | Milwaukee Brewers | Neftali Feliz | You could argue that it will be Jacob Barnes who takes the job, so consider them sharing the spot. However Knebel has been the primary setup man and he has been equally as impressive. Stash both, and don’t be surprised if a change comes before long. |
| 5. | Daniel Hudson (NR) | Pittsburgh Pirates | Tony Watson | Watson hasn’t blown a save as of yet, but he appears to be a ticking time bomb considering the number of runners he’s allowed (8 H, 5 BB, 3 HBP) and lack of strikeouts (5 K) over his 8.0 IP. Sooner or later he’s going to implode, and that will lead to Hudson getting his shot. |
Graduated:
- Koda Glover – Washington Nationals (2) – While he may not have the job outright he’s earned saves on back-to-back days and is clearly part of a committee for now
Dropped Off Rankings:
- Trevor Rosenthal – St. Louis Cardinals (4) – While Seung-Hwan Oh isn’t completely safe of yet, he’s turned things around making a change a lot less likely
Others We’re Monitoring:
- Kyle Barraclough – Miami Marlins
- Luke Gregerson – Houston Astros
- J.J. Hoover – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Brad Hand – San Diego Padres
- Joakim Soria – Kansas City Royals
- Arodys Vizcaino – Atlanta Braves
Injured Setup Men To Monitor:
- Jake Barrett – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Carter Capps – San Diego Padres
Make sure to check out our Preseason 2017 Prospect Rankings:
| Top 50 Prospects | 1-50 | |
| Catcher | 1-10 | |
| First Base | 1-10 | |
| Second Base | 1-10 | |
| Shortstop | 1-10 | |
| Third Base | 1-10 | |
| Outfielders: | 1-10 | 11-20 |
| Right Handed Pitchers: | 1-10 | 11-20 |
| Left Handed Pitchers: | 1-10 |
Source: http://rotoprofessor.com/baseball/?p=32764
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