Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: June 2, 2017: Hand Surprisingly Back In Mix & 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 13 saves, but that doesn’t mean he’s been very good. He’s coming off another implosion, his third in his past seven outings (6 ER on 9 H and 1 BB over past 6.2 IP). With a 1.54 WHIP he’s been pitching into and out of trouble (28 H & 8 BB over 23.1 IP) and it’s now starting to catch up with him. Rivero, meanwhile, has been dominant with a 0.65 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, as he’s posted 29 K vs. 6 BB on the season. A change is coming, it’s just a matter of when. |
2. | Brad Hand (NR) | San Diego Padres | Brandon Maurer | Hand appeared to have the job, getting saves on back-to-back days, but has inexplicably been returned to a setup role. It doesn’t make sense, and while Maurer has gotten job done since returning to the role does anyone believe? The biggest stumbling block for Hand remains the potential of a trade as there’s little reason to think that he won’t return to the role before long. |
3. | Ryan Madson (2) | Oakland A’s | Santiago Casilla | Does anyone truly believe in Casilla? He’s allowed runs in three of his past six outings (6 ER on 9 H and 3 BB over 5.1 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 1.77 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, it’s just a matter of time for the opportunity to present itself. |
4. | Alex Wilson (3) | Detroit Tigers | Justin Wilson | Justin Wilson has suddenly found home run troubles. If that wasn’t enough, he imploded earlier in the week 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 1.88 ERA and 0.92 WHIP on the season. He’s just lacked the strikeout stuff we generally look for (14 K over 24.0 IP), however. Know the limitations, but as we’ve seen with others it doesn’t mean he can’t perform. |
5. | Taylor Rogers (4) | Minnesota Twins | Brandon Kintzler | Kintzler has never been considered an ideal closing candidate, so it’s fair to wonder if the Twins will finally start exploring other options (though he’s bounced back after a small rough patch). 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 & did allow a HR on Thursday night, but his groundball stuff and lack of walks make him a viable option. |
Graduated:
- None
Dropped Off Rankings:
- Shawn Kelley – Washington Nationals (5) – Any questions about Koda Glover’s ability to handle the role have been answered
Committees Not Currently Included:
- None
Others We’re Monitoring:
- Kyle Barraclough – Miami Marlins
- 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
- 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 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=33234
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