Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: May 24, 2017: Is Ramos On The Way Out In Miami & 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 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 (1) | San Diego Padres | Brandon Maurer | The struggles of Maurer have continued, and it’s hard to imagine him getting the next save opportunity. He’s now allowed runs in four of his past five appearances, yielding 10 ER on 12 H and 3 BB over 3.2 IP. Hand, for his part, owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 33 K over 25.0 IP and is deserving of an opportunity. It’s actually possible he’s already taken the role, but the lack of a save opportunities is masking it. |
| 2. | Felipe Rivero (2) | Pittsburgh Pirates | Tony Watson | Watson has converted 10 of 12 saves, but that doesn’t mean he’s been very good. He’s coming off an absolute implosion, his second in his past four outings, as he allowed 2 ER on 3 H and 1 BB over 0.2 IP. With a 1.62 WHIP he’s been pitching into and out of trouble (25 H & 8 BB over 20.1 IP) and it’s now starting to catch up with him. Rivero, meanwhile, has been dominant with a 0.76 ERA and 0.80 WHIP, as he’s posted 25 K vs. 4 BB on the season. A change is coming, it’s just a matter of when. |
| 3. | Kyle Barraclough (NR) | Miami Marlins | A.J. Ramos | The Marlins always appear to be looking to replace Ramos, and while his recent struggles have come in non-save situations they give the team an excuse to revisit the thought (2.0 IP, 5 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K). He owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.60 WHIP on the season, so a change would be justified. Barraclough has looked like a closer in waiting at times, though his control is a question (17 BB over 20.1 IP). If he can correct that for an extended stretch, there’s a good chance he gets an opportunitiy |
| 4. | Darren O’Day (3) | 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. Brach appeared to be on his way out, but back-to-back perfect innings (3 K) including a save have eased those concerns. Still it may not take much for a change to be made, making O’Day worth stashing. |
| 5. | Joakim Soria (4) | Kansas City Royals | Kelvin Herrera | It’s hard to imagine Herrera being removed from the role, though with the way he’s pitching we can’t rule it out any more. Over his past four outings he’s allowed 4 ER on 10 H and 1 BB over 4.0 IP, though he only blew one save over this stretch. Still it’s worth monitoring, especially with his name being included in trade rumors. For his part Soria has appeared to turn back the clock (1.83 ERA) and should be able to seamlessly step into the role if called upon. |
Graduated:
- None
Dropped Off Rankings:
- Archie Bradley – Arizona Diamondbacks (5) – While a change will likely come at some point, Fernando Rodney is pitching too well right now to think that it’s imminent
Committees Not Currently Included:
- Seattle Mariners (Edwin Diaz appears primed to re-take role, and if he were included in these rankings he’d be the obvious #1 choice)
- Washington Nationals
Others We’re Monitoring:
- Mychael Givens – Baltimore Orioles
- Will Harris – Houston Astros
- Tommy Kahnle – Chicago White Sox
- Ryan Madson – Oakland A’s
- Trevor Rosenthal – St. Louis Cardinals
- 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 all of our updated rankings:
|
Position
|
Posted
|
|---|---|
| Catcher | April 25 |
| First Base | April 26 |
| Second Base | May 1 |
| Third Base | May 4 |
| Shortstop | May 8 |
| Outfield | – |
| Starting Pitcher | – |
| Relief Pitcher | – |
Source: http://rotoprofessor.com/baseball/?p=33136
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