Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: May 29, 2017: Madson & Rogers Join Watch List & 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. | Felipe Rivero (1) | 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 a recent implosion, his second in his past five outings, as he allowed 2 ER on 3 H and 1 BB over 0.2 IP on May 23. With a 1.64 WHIP he’s been pitching into and out of trouble (27 H & 8 BB over 21.1 IP) and it’s now starting to catch up with him. Rivero, meanwhile, has been dominant with a 0.70 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, as he’s posted 28 K vs. 5 BB on the season. A change is coming, it’s just a matter of when. |
| 2. | Ryan Madson (NR) | Oakland A’s | Santiago Casilla | Does anyone truly believe in Casilla? He’s allowed runs in three of his past five outings (6 ER on 9 H and 3 BB over 4.1 IP over this stretch). Considering his history it’s easy to imagine a change, and Madson is clearly the top candidate (with Sean Doolittle on the DL). With a 1.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP, it’s just a matter of time for the opportunity to present itself. |
| 3. | Alex Wilson (3) | Detroit Tigers | Justin Wilson | Justin Wilson has suddenly found home run troubles, giving up long balls in two of his past four appearances. If that wasn’t enough, he imploded in his last outing without giving up a home run (3 R on 4 H). With Francisco Rodriguez also continuing to have some issues, Alex Wilson could become a realistic option for consistent saves. He’s actually picked up two already, and owns an impressive 1.71 ERA and 0.90 WHIP on the season. He’s just lacked the strikeout stuff we generally look for (11 K over 21.0 IP), however. Know the limitations, but as we’ve seen with others it doesn’t mean he can’t perform. |
| 4. | Taylor Rogers (NR) | Minnesota Twins | Brandon Kintzler | After blowing a save yesterday Kintzler has now allowed runs in back-to-back performances. Never an ideal closing candidate, it’s fair to wonder if the Twins will finally start exploring other options. After struggling in April Rogers has emerged as the next up in May, with a 1.86 ERA to go along with 8 K vs. 0 BB in 9.2 IP (he has actually gone 11.0 IP without issuing a walk). He’s similar to Kintzler, in terms of the lack of strikeout upside, but his groundball stuff and lack of walks make him a viable option. |
| 5. | Shawn Kelley (2) | Washington Nationals | Koda Glover | Glover has officially been named the closer, at least for now, and he does deserve it with the way he’s pitched (2.35 ERA, 0.91 WHIP). Of course he’s still a pitcher with limited MLB experience and it remains to be seen if he can handle the pressures of the role. While a trade still seems most likely, seeing Kelley returned to the role is also a possibility. |
Graduated:
- None
Dropped Off Rankings:
- Kyle Barraclough – Miami Marlins (4) – While the Marlins always appear primed to replace A.J. Ramos, Barraclough has struggled in his past two outings and that takes him out as a closing candidate
- Joakim Soria – Kansas City Royals (5) – Kelvin Herrera has seemed to find himself, and that means Soria will have to wait for a trade in order to get an opportunity
Committees Not Currently Included:
- San Diego Padres
Others We’re Monitoring:
- Archie Bradley – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Mychael Givens – Baltimore Orioles
- Will Harris – Houston Astros
- Tommy Kahnle – Chicago White Sox
- Darren O’Day – Baltimore Orioles
- 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=33192
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