Cheap Pitching & COF Candidates

Recap of cheap relief and Closers of the Future

CLOSERS of the FUTURE

This is the list of guys who could easily vulture saves or the job this year

1 – Cincinatti Relief – Todd Coffey has the hype, but he or Ryan Wagner could either replace Weathers at any time.
2 – Oscar Villareal – he’s probably going to get the first shot at saves after Reitsma 24 yrs old. His #’s were good in 2003, but has had limited innings the past 2 years due to injuries, without good #’s in AAA or majors. I don’t see him as a real choice.
3 – Kerry Ligtenberg – With Bowyer sent down, he’s the backup for Borowski He was good in AAA after injuries last year, but ugly in 9 innings in majors. Was always solid until past 2 years. Could be decent if healthy.
4 – Braden Looper – Isringhausen is always hurt
5 – Brandon Lyon – He actually had crappy #’s, 6.44 ERA, 1.84 Whip. He’s kind of like Jose Mesa, who no one would want. But he is probably the next in line when Valverde gets hurt.
6- Tyler Walker – could be the guy again if Benitez is hurt (and he hasn’t pitched well). Though could also be Tim Worrell. His #’s weren’t good, but he did get 24 of 28 Saves, and he’s got real stuff. So, could have upside for the future, especially if Benitez was gone in 2007. He’d probably have the inside track on closing.

These are guys with established closers who could be a future closer

1 – Danny Baez - He was the closer in Tampa Bay, 41 SV, 72 inning, 51 K, 2.86 ERA, 1.33 Whip. He’ll be the back up if Gagne isn’t right, and has the track record. Will be a Free Agent after this year, so might be moving on. If he’s cheap or reasonable, he has a 50-50 chance of being a closer in NL in 2007.
2 – Blaine Boyer – 24 yr old, OK #’s last year 3.11, 1.30. Talk is about Devine, but he’s also in the mix
3 – Jose Capellan -He’s making the opening day roster. If Mark doesn’t activate him, then he’s an interesting future closer guy with 100 MPH fastball potential
4 - Chris Resop - If he makes the majors, it would be a stretch for him to be the closer as Bowyer is really the guy. He’s 23 yr old, was in AA – 24 of 26 SV, 2.57 ERA, 1.29 Whip, 56 K in 49 inning, 96 MPH fastball. Probably goes to AAA, but could be a closer in future if Bowyer bombs.

CHEAP RELIEF WITH GOOD #’S

1- Brandon Medders 26 yrs old. He had solid #’s last year. 30 1/3 IP, 1.78 ERA, 1.05 Whip, 31 SO’s. He has a 92-95 MPH fastball. He could be a good setup guy with #’s. But there are lots of guys here who could be a backup closer.
2 – Bob Howry He was given a chance as closer early in his career with the 1999-2000 White Sox, but didn’t really make it. As setup man past 2 years in Cleveland has been studly: 2004: 2.74, 1.15, 2005: 2.47, 0.89. Would be reasonable safe choice for #’s and would be the closer if Dempster was bad or out.
3 – Clay Hensley He was solid in AAA and in 47 innings in SD, which allowed SD to trade Otsuka and Hammond. In AAA (PCL – hitter’s league) 90 inning, 3.00, 0.94, 71 K. In Majors: 47 inning, 28 K, 1.70 ERA, 1.05 whip. Worth a $1 chance.
4 - Dan Wheeler He was very solid last year, 73 inning, 69 K, 2.21 ERA, 0.98 Whip. Good choice for safe innings, and could get the saves if Lidge was hurt or somehow traded
5 – Matt Wise He’s fully recovered now from Tommy John. Was solid last year in Milw, with 64 inning, 62 K, 3.36 ERA, 0.96 Whip, fairly safe, but no big upside.
6 - Duaner Sanchez He’s not going to close anymore, but could get wins in 7-8ths innings. #’s were same for 2004 and 2005 – 3.38.1.35 and 3.73, 1.35
7 – Salomon Torres Definitely keepable. He’s had solid years 2004 and 2005, since was pulled out of any starting spots. Should continue to have good #’s, and could get occasional right handed saves or if Gonzalez gets hurt
8 - Brad Thompson good setup/middle guy, but not a power pitcher. Had good #’s in first year in Majors last year
9 – Damaso Marte Actually the reverse. Had a bad year in 2005: 3.77, 1.72. He had been steady for the previous 3 years. No real upside, but would probably be a safe bet for good #’s
10 - Scott Eyre He was really good for Giants, but as a lefty won’t be a closer. He had just decent #’s. Doesn’t get wins either. 11 – Kent Merker 38 years old. Last 3 years ERA increasing 1.95 – 2.55 – 3.65 with Whips 1.41 – 1.25 – 1.35. Not a good trend.
12 – Jorge Julio He closed in Baltimore 2002 – 2005, but had bad #’s, and was replaced in 2005. Don’t expect any good #’s in a set up role either, as his best was 4.38 ERA and 1.40 Whip over past 3 years.
13 – Arthur Rhodes In 2005 he returned to the top level setup man form that he had in 2001 and 2002. He got hurt in 2004 when he was put in closer role in Oakland, but he’s not a closer. He’s a setup guy, and when he’s right, he’s a really good one
14 – Tim Worrell His #’s have steadily worsened since 2003 career year in SF. He’s 38, so this could be a real trend. Only upside is he’ll get the saves when Benitez is out hurt.
15 – Gary Majewski Good stuff, but has control and Whip problems. He’s #1 Setup after Ayala got hurt. ERA should be around 3.00, but Whip could be anything. Not big upside

Written by Dr. Tailgate