Guest Post: Potential Closers

Written by Andrew Kneeland

Monday, 08 March 2010 23:21

Dwthegreat blogs over at Twins-Keys, and can be found on Twitter @DwTheGreat. Be sure to check out his work when you get the chance! Today, he provides us with his take on the contingency plans should closer Joe Nathan be injured for an extended period of time. Enjoy!

It took just two batters, around twenty pitches, to unravel Twins' closer Joe Nathan. Yes, the 35-year-old's elbow is finally starting to show its age. After a phenomenal 2009 season -- in which he saved a club record of forty-seven games -- Nathan had surgery to remove bone chips in his throwing elbow. The question now remains: Who should be the closer if Nathan's injury lingers? There are four in this running: Jon Rauch, Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek, and Matt Guerrier. I will explain in the following paragraphs why none of the above fits the criteria for a good closer and who on the team does.

The most logical of the choice would be Jon Rauch. Rauch, 6'11'' (tallest player in the history of the major leagues), is the only one on this list who has had closing experience. Rauch saved a total of twenty-two games while blowing six games. His 78 saves percentage isn't bad, but it isn't good, either.

Now let's look at Jesse Crain. The main reason Crain is this mix is because he drafted him. Crain has had his struggles, which he has battled through. Crain is one of those guys that had and still has a lot of potential but hasn't panned out as of yet. He is a great guy for short relief or even setup, but not closer material.

The most intriguing of these options is Pat Neshek. This side-armed hurler has been the one of the most consistent guys you will find. He would fit perfectly into the closing role. The problem with this, though, is that Neshek has been plagued with injuries. Neshek will likely start the year down in either Ft. Myers A or extended spring training, due to the weather factor. By the time Pat is ready, Nathan would most likely be ready to give it another try.

Our last option being considered is Matt Guerrier. Just like Crain, Matt is perfect for a short relief or setup roll. Matt is the most consistent guy you can find. He sports a good ERA and feels very comfortable using his curveball. Matt doesn't like to over-power people with his stuff, which is his downfall. In a closer, you would like to see someone with power.

I think the player best suited for the closer role is Francisco Liriano, who is currently in the rotation. When Liriano first came up, he thrived, posting a 12-3 record and a 2.13 ERA. Since then, his career has been injury plagued and disappointing. Liriano has proven that he is better fit for the bullpen. Take a look at this stat: In his first fifteen pitches, Liriano's opponents bat .203. That is a tremendous number! The rotation has depth, the bullpen needs a closer, all Minnesota needs is a championship.

Again, be sure to check out Dwthegreat both at his blog, and on Twitter.

Comments (3) Add Comment

...
written by thisisbeth, March 08, 2010

I know it's not the same, but I believe both Crain and Neshek were closers in the minors. While Guerrier has shown to have the mental ability to pitch in late innings under pressure, we do not know if Liriano has that mental make-up.

I really think it's a toss-up, and possibly closer-by-committee if Nathan's elbow issues are more serious. I honestly hope all is well, though.

Good Idea...
written by Bryz, March 08, 2010

...but thrusting Liriano into the closer role doesn't appear to be an idea that Gardy would consider. I'd be ok with experimenting with him, but I doubt the Twins would have the same feeling about this.

...
written by aa, May 06, 2010

buy wow accounts since June 2007 we have supplied thousands of satisfied customers with pre-leveled,buy wow accounts high-end secured WoW Accounts. .by xl 2010.5.7