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Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: May 18, 2017: Hand/O’Day Assume Top Spots & More

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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. Brad Hand (4) San Diego Padres Brandon Maurer Maurer has now imploded in 3 of his past 4 outings, blowing two saves in epic fashion and losing another game (9 ER on 11 H and 1 BB over his past 2.2 IP). While everyone has been waiting on Carter Capps, it’s going to be impossible for the Padres to wait for his return. While Hand has had his own struggles of late, overall he owns a 1.88 ERA & 0.96 WHIP and should get an opportunity to run with the role.
2. Darren O’Day (NR) Baltimore Orioles Brad Brach After missing some time due to an undisclosed injury, O’Day recently returned to the mound and should be next up for save chances. With Brach struggling of late (back-to-back blown saves, runs allowed in 4 of 5 outings), that opportunity could come sooner rather than later.
3. Felipe Rivero (2) 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 0.83 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, as he’s posted 22 K vs. 4 BB on the season.
4. Archie Bradley (3) 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.
5. Ryan Madson (5) 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:

  • None

Dropped Off Rankings:

  • Mychael Givens – Baltimore Orioles (1) – With Darren O’Day seemingly healthy and Givens struggling with his control in his most recent outing, he Givens no longer appears to be in position for SV

Others We’re Monitoring:

  • Kyle Barraclough – Miami Marlins
  • Will Harris – Houston Astros
  • Tommy Kahnle – Chicago White Sox
  • Trevor Rosenthal – St. Louis Cardinals
  • Joakim Soria – Kansas City Royals
  • Drew Storen – Cincinnati Reds
  • Hunter Strickland – San Francisco Giants
  • Arodys Vizcaino – Atlanta Braves

Injured Setup Men To Monitor:

  • Jake Barrett – Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Carter Capps – San Diego Padres
  • Sean Doolittle – Oakland A’s

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=33045


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