Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: May 15, 2017: Givens/Rivero Among Relievers On Rise
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 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. | Michael Givens (4) | Baltimore Orioles | Brad Brach | Brach has allowed runs in 3 of his past 4 appearances, and while that led to just 1 BSV it may not take much for a change to come. As it is you could argue that Givens has been the more impressive pitcher, as long as he avoids the long ball (3 HR over 20.2 IP). With Zach Britton out for a while, don’t be surprised if Givens gets an opportunity before long. |
| 2. | Felipe Rivero (NR) | Pittsburgh Pirates | Tony Watson | Watson has converted 8 of 9 saves, but that doesn’t mean he’s been very good. With a 1.56 WHIP he’s been pitching into and out of trouble (19 H & 7 BB over 16.2 IP) and it’s only a matter of time before he falls off the tight rope. Rivero, meanwhile, has been dominant with a 0.87 ERA and 0.82 WHIP, as he’s posted 22 K vs. 4 BB on the season. |
| 3. | Archie Bradley (2) | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fernando Rodney | Rodney is among the worst closers in the league, and Arizona’s decision to keep Bradley in the bullpen puts him on the precipice of the role. He’s certainly outpitched Rodney and while his lack of usage in May has caused some concern it shouldn’t. It’s a matter of when he gets his shot, not if. |
| 4. | Brad Hand (NR) | San Diego Padres | Brandon Maurer | Maurer has imploded in 2 of his past 3 outings, blowing two saves in epic fashion. While everyone has been waiting on Carter Capps, it’s possible San Diego won’t wait that long for a change. You can argue that Ryan Buchter will get the first opportunity, but Hand has been the team’s best reliever (even with his recent bumps) as he has 27 K over 21.0 IP. As long as he’s consistently finding the strike zone there shouldn’t be an issue. |
| 5. | Ryan Madson (NR) | Oakland A’s | Santiago Casilla | We all know that Casilla is a disaster in waiting, and his most recent implosion highlights that. With Sean Doolittle on the DL, it should be Madson who ultimately gets the opportunity to unseat the current closer. |
Graduated:
- Corey Knebel (1) – Milwaukee Brewers
Dropped Off Rankings:
- Pat Neshek (3) – Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies are committed to Hector Neris in the role, and Neshek’s recent struggles likely stymies any hope of his rising into the role
- Trevor Rosenthal (5) – St. Louis Cardinals – With Seung Hwan Oh reestablishing himself in the role, Rosenthal is nothing more than a player to watch
- Hunter Strickland (HM) – San Francisco Giants – With Mark Melancon getting closer to returning, Strickland like won’t have enough time to leapfrog Derek Law and make any type of impact
Others We’re Monitoring:
- Kyle Barraclough – Miami Marlins
- Luke Gregerson – Houston Astros
- Tommy Kahnle – Chicago White Sox
- Joakim Soria – Kansas City Royals
- Drew Storen – Cincinnati Reds
- Arodys Vizcaino – Atlanta Braves
Injured Setup Men To Monitor:
- Jake Barrett – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Carter Capps – San Diego Padres
- Sean Doolittle – Oakland A’s
- Koda Glover – Washington Nationals
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=33017
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