Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Search For a New Closer


Still recovering from watching Henry Rodriguez blow another game I know he only has 2 blown saves but those lines are wildly magnificient.1.1 Innings pitched 5 hits, 4 runs, 3 strikeouts and 5 wild pitches. I can work with you if you lack control or if you're prone to giving up homers but not if you're a wild pitch artist.


Only problem is who will replace Hrod as closer. Most fans would probably want Tyler Clippard or Craig Stammen.  Two words for you. ABSOLUTELY NOT!


It's not that I don't value their contribution, but I believe they serve more value in their roles as relief firemen then they would as a closer. More is at stake during a tie game with no outs and no one on or the top of the 7th with no outs and bases loaded. I would rather use them to keep the game close than save them for the 9thinning lead the nats may never get. Besides,imagine Hrod in that last situation. Hot enough for you?

Ryan Perry is the next guy that comes to my mind.his last outing had him giving up 6 runs in 2/3 of an inning. Next name.

Tom Gorzelanny. People I know do not like him, but I haven't developed a hatred for him. As a former starter I believe he can do well in the Nats bullpen. But I will pass on him as a closer until his statistics reflect what my uninformed mind thinks he can do.

This leaves 2 names that I would happily endorse as closer. Ryan Mattheus and Sean Burnett. Mattheus' career ERA is only 2.74 (small sample size, I know ). But the last time he was a regular closer was in 2008.Burnett started last year as the co closer until he became ineffective, but he was able to fix himself and is off to a great start so far this year. And his career ERA is only 3.71.Surely, my blood pressure will be lower with Mattheus or Burnett as closer then Henry Rodriguez.