Who is the Closer?

This article has 60 Comments

1. Thanks Mark for bringing the closer role up.
   A couple of questions.
   1: If there is no “designated” closer per se, how does a manager decide which is the best pitcher to use for that game?

   2: Any idea how many games per year does a team actually use or need a closer to hold or potentially win a game? I realize this will fluctuate depending how many runs a team is ahead, tied or behind by multiple runs.

   1. 1. Probably the matchups they are facing and who is rested.

      2. 45 to 65 times.

2. One of the arguments you use for making Phillips closer is exactly the reason I don’t want to make him the closer.

   He allows very few inherited runners to score.
   Closers start out innings with nobody on.

   Use Phillips in high leverage situations and make someone else the closer.
   Hudson has the experience. Start the year with him in that spot. If he falters move someone else in there, maybe Almonte, but don’t waste Phillips in that role when he could be used to put down rallies.

   1. Soooo, he’s too good to be a closer because he allows few runners to score? He was not used as a closer much last season he and did inherit some runners. There’s a reason he doesn’t allow runners to score: He doesn’t allow hits and walks, and that is also what you want in a closer. I want my best reliever as the closer, and BTW, the Dodgers have plenty of options.

      1. Let’s compromise. If there is a late inning rally that threatens a lead then Phillips might be a good choice and when there is a save opportunity in the 9th then he could also close such a game of not used earlier. Just need to let pitchers know they need to be ready to close.

3. I think with the influence of the vets dodgers have is going a great effect on the rookies. I really enjoyed hearing Rojas admitting he took it for granted his time being a Dodger and how much he missed the energy after leaving. Letting the kids know they made it to the stage of stages will likely keep the fresh drive alive. Sure we’re certain some stumbling will be displayed because it’s a big step but that’s part of the process. Then the fear ends and the nightmare begins…..for opposing pitchers. The kids will not likely see many fastballs in the zone as they’ve been brought up on that diet. So playing against the Dodgers is gonna eat their pitchers. I don’t know how a fan can be unexcited looking at this coming season. Before the ASG the rough will be a past issue the team will be THE TEAM. Dodgers have no big brothers.

   1. Even with JT leaving, there is a lot of veteran leadership in that clubhouse. Kersh, Rojas, Freeman, Martinez, Mookie, all have leadership qualities.

   2. Thumb up Quas

4. I would love for the Dodgers to have a closer from each side. Someone along the lines of Billy Wagner from the left, and a Gagne type of guy from the right. Unfortunately, that probably will not happen. Those wanting them to trade for Hendricks are probably glad at this point that they did not since he is going to miss the entire year being treated for cancer. I would use Hudson in the role first if healthy. He has experience, and the heart rate of a closer. I love what Phillips brings to the table. When they first acquired him, my reaction was Evan who????? He has been a revelation. But I still think the closer in waiting is Graterol. His stuff is just plain nasty, and he throws a legitimate heater. Not much into football anymore, but I always enjoy it when Dallas loses. Bills choked again. There is a rumor going around that LeBoring James is pretty well disgusted with the roster around him and might want to be traded. On that day, I will start watching Laker basketball again.

   1. I wanted the Lakers to keep the players they got with their early round draft picks and was against signing James. He is a phenomenal player though who should be allowed to speak his mind and should not have been told to shut up and dribble.

5. I to feel that way about Labron and kinda miss watching lakers but he’s 38 and be gone soon one way or another hopefully. My beloved Bruins are looking pretty good even though lost second game of Arizona trip. Could and should at least make final four

6. I am still holding out for a trade for Bednar. The guy has great stuff and is controllable for 4 more years.

   1. Depends on what they would have to give up for him. He would most likely be moved when they can maximize their return. So midseason at the earliest. Many have suggested they try to get him and Reynolds in a package deal. But Phillips had a better year than he did. Hall of Fame announcement tomorrow. Former Dodgers Jeff Kent and Gary Sheffield both on the candidates list.

      1. I would be shocked if Kent made it. The writers hated him! I once saw a writer try to ask him some questions when he was headed to the back fields at Vero, and he said, “Why would I want to talk to you? You just make up what you want to write?”

   2. Vinny,

      Ain’t happening unless they somehow magically get under the CBA. I think the Dodgers have 4 or 5 relievers as good or better than Bednar!

7. Closer. For quite a while now I have believed there are times games are decided in the 7th or 8th. There is a manager who agrees with me. Can’t think of his name this early, but it will come to me. We have a stable of good arms down there. If we don’t sign or trade for that definitive guy, and looks like we won’t as they cost 8 figures, I am fine with close by committee.

   Bear’s contributions below the A block are valuable and I’m sure we will continue to see his posts.

   1. I agree with that. Sometimes you need to put out a fire in the 7th or the 8th inning. Bring in your closer… especially if you have other big arms in the pen. It’s hard to win a game in the 9th if you already coughed up the lead in the 7th.

      1. If you’re willing to use your closer in the 7th or 8th in high leverage spots then maybe we were just disagreeing about semantics up above.

8. MLB nailed what could be a huge key to the Dodger’s season:

   “Dustin May, RHP, Dodgers
   May has already appeared in parts of four seasons (and two playoff runs) with the Dodgers, but he’s thrown fewer than 150 career innings, in part because he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021. The lanky righty pitched to subpar results after returning last year, struggling with his control (4.2 BB/9) and posting a 4.50 ERA (94 ERA+) over 30 innings. It’s hard not to be tantalized by his stuff, however, particularly his nasty curveball and mix of high-octane fastballs. May appeared to be on his way to a breakout season before going down with his elbow injury in 2021, registering a 2.74 ERA, a 13.7 K/9 and a 2.3 BB/9 through five starts. The 25-year-old could prove to be an X-factor for a Dodgers club that lost multiple key players to free agency this offseason and remains without ace righty Walker Buehler (TJ surgery).

   If Dustin can return to his previous form before TJ, what a boost that will be!

9. Good interview with Emmet Sheehan:
   

   1. His fastball is incredible. It vanishes.

10. Here’s an interesting interview with Freddie Freeman about Jason Heyward:

    Freddie says Jason has “a lot left in the tank” and that he has a chip on his shoulder, a lot to prove and has been working with RVS and Aaron Bates on his hitting. Would they put Mookie in CF and Heyward in RF? Hummm…

    1. I think there was a recent interview with Freeman which touched on Bauer.

11. Just thinking about just stopping all the questioning and using some of these players now. Could this lineup be successful at the big league level, all expected to see major league time this year? I think many teams would gladly use many of these players.
    2b. Jorbit Vivas
    1b. Busch
    3b. Vargas
    C. Cartaya
    Rf. Pages
    Cf. Outman
    SS. Eddys Leonard
    Lf De Luca
    Dh ?
    It shows how deep we really are!

    1. 2B and SS are weak defensively.

       1. You found the weaknesses and missed the point. Lots of teams would have no hesitation to start these players yet we keep hearing we should find better players. Like Outman, surround him with Betts, Freeman, Smith etc and I can easily insert him into cf.

    2. The DH is Rushing.

       1. That kid can hit. Can’t wait to see him move to High A and maybe AA this year.

12. Phillips has my vote.
    As for Mookie in CF…. si, como no? That could work out fine. He reminds me of a mini-Mays, because he’s a true five-tool talent with an upbeat personality and a flair for the dramatic.
    If the Dodgers’ other options for CF aren’t acceptable–I think Outman or Thompson would be fine–moving Mookie could make sense (even though he’s pretty great in right). If we could clone Mookie, I’d have him at 2B too. Come to think of it… has he ever played SS?
    I think Heyward will probably make the OD roster, but unless Van Scoyoc and Associates can work their magic, I don’t expect anything special. Heyward was the hot young rising star who got a fat contract from the Cubs–and then disappointed their fans.

    1. Wouldn’t it be something if the Cubs “fixed” Bellinger and the Dodgers “fixed” Heyward? It could happen, sometimes you just need a new voice.

       I read what Muncy said about his struggles. They knew what it was, but it took 2 months to fix it.

       1. Yes, it would be something… But Belli has always had the higher ceiling.
          The Cubs are still covering Heyward’s salary– $22 million this season, the last of 8-year, $184 deal.
          Already seems like a great bargain.
          I do hope Heyward feels like he has something to prove.

    2. So if I am reading this correctly a closer needs to have some or all of these qualities.
       1: The desire to be “The Guy”} on the greatest stage in a game. {Give me the ball coach}
       2: Ability to strike guys out consistently
       3: Not afraid of failure and able to bounce back quickly
       4: Great or filthy stuff. {Elite one or two pitches)
       5: Extremely durable {No porcelain doll here} {Guy able to pitch 3 – 4 times a week}
       6: Knows, wants, craves, this position and will fight hard to keep it {being successful shutting the other team down consistently}

       Anything else I am missing here?

       1. That and if they are a little crazy, that helps!

          😉

       2. 1 is kind of 6.
          2 is kind of 4.
          3 has similarities to 5.

13. Was there something wrong with the closer Chapman I know the Dudgers were talking to him. And then I heard last week he signed with the Royals. Did the Dudgers find a injury and possible and tahts why he signed with the Royals and then like by trade deadline someone gets him if they lose there closer. If you had him as a Closer and Hudson and Phillips the set up guys. That’s a nice bullpen the last three innings to have in a game.

    1. Objectively:
       He was poor last year and has a history of domestic violence.

       Subjectively:
       I think the team is looking to cut payroll ATM.

       1. Yep on a deadline deal. His WHIP shot up last year, KC got him for $3.75m, down from $16 million. KC doesn’t need a lights out closer. They need talented prospects. They’re hoping to get a few at the deadline at a cost of less than $2 million.

          History of domestic violence doesn’t concern teams as much as history of S&M. If he can pitch, somebody will pick him up in July. Public opinion still out on Bauer.

          1. KC is hopeing to flip him at the deadline.

       2. No matter how much anyone says it, it seems that fans cannot grasp why the Dodgers should not pay in excess of $50 or $60 million in penalties next year.

          After all, “It’s only money… Right?”

14. TrueBlue’s podcast has a nice interview with Oklahoma City’s play by play guy:

    https://www.truebluela.com/2023/1/23/23562725/dodgers-podcast-alex-freedman-triple-a-oklahoma-city-dodgers-prospects

    Touches on Miller, Stone, Jackson, Noda and others…

15. I get it, 60 mil is a lot even to billionaires. Got no clue what AF got up his sleeve but it’s gonna be tricky getting under threshold or if they even can and still stay competitive enough to go far in October

16. Bluto, have you ever thought about doing a little writing here at LADT? You have a lot of knowledge of the game like B&P without all the antagonism.

    1. The cynic in me would say, what is a B&P post without antagonism and bravado?

       But no. I know nothing and would add no value.

       My only forte in this space is relaying on what other people say.

17. Since the day he came over from the Twins, I have been intrigued by the Bazooka. The heat, now a slider. What I don’t get is how so many batters get their stick on his fastball? I think, “oh that pitch will be un-hittable”, then whack! How does a pitch moving so fast not dance more on the way in? I’m hoping he figures out how to get a little more movement on his heater this year. So eager to see who steps it up in this “year of opportunity” for the young guns.

    1. His WHIP was 0.99 so they are not doing much damage and he only gave up 3 HR in 46 IP.

18. Reported today that Joe Davis will return for year number 8. Has it been that long already? Wow.

19. Now with a year under his belt, I’m hoping that Freddie Freeman steps up as a clubhouse leader. There was no need before with JT taking the role, but I could see both Freeman as Betts as being that person who takes on that leadership role with the team.

    1. Makes sense. Kershaw, long time with the organization, is no doubt someone players would listen to. It’s also accepted throughout baseball that the manager is the guy steering the ship.

       1. Managers have many jobs. But in these days, they usually leave the leadership in the clubhouse to veteran players who have been with the team a while. Turner was with the Dodgers for 8 years. I do not know about steering a ship, especially a very talented ship that pretty much steers itself. All Roberts does is make out the lineups, the coaches take care of BP and the on-field workouts. Last Dodger captain was Davey Lopes. Pitchers are never team captains.

20. Been said many times big league hitters can time a bullet. Bazooka’s heater comes in straight right over plate much to often. Location and sequence are key. He’ll figure it out, I see improvement bout every time out and be no surprise to me at least could end up a very good closer

21. I can’t ever remember a time when a player came up though the ranks as a definite future closer or even a established big leaguer. Seems the great ones somehow magically fell into that niche. So chances are might have one in the mist that excels we’re not even aware of yet

    1. Gagne was a starter prior to being moved to the pen. Jansen was a bad hitting catcher with a cannon for an arm.

       1. There appear to be several candidates with the stuff for one inning every other day, but I don’t know who might have the temperament. Miller, Duran, Sheehan come to mind, but I don’t know enough about prospects to pick who might be groomed for that job.

          1. Usually, when a pitcher has a high ceiling, they leave him start until he can’t!

             Not saying that our youngsters won’t be relief pitchers, but it won’t be at the start of the season.

             1. Except that we drafted Josh Sborz, who was a great college closer, and instead of just letting him grow as a closer thru the minors into the majors, we tried converting him to a starter.

                We might’ve had a good closer there, but we never let him do it.

             2. Of course every pitcher wants starter status and starter money. But if there’s a path to the bigs by blowing away hitters one inning every other day it might be wise to take it.

22. Interesting about Sborz didn’t know. Got me wondering how many great closers come though college are available or have been drafted as such

23. Last year I followed how many innings the relievers racked up and everyone had similar amount of innings except guys that were on the IL for a somewhat long time or short time and Martin that was acquired at the trade deadline and Kahnle of course. It seems like Doc does that on purpose.

    I never understood why relievers need a day off after they pitched 1 or 2 innings the day before, especially 1 inning.

    So with all of that said the ideal bullpen is to have 6 guys that you rotate from day to day to handle the 7-9 innings that don’t have the flaw of being good or excellent against one side of the plate and being bad against the other side. If relievers that I just described (good or excellent against both sides) could go 2 innings you woudn’t need 6 of them, I think it would be 4. Last year the Dodgers came close to the ideal bullpen especially after acquiring Martin and that’s why the bullpen was ranked in the top 3 and that is good. If it wasn’t for Bickford, Price, Kimbrel, and Heaney in relief and the Dodgers had good relievers to replace at least some of them I guarantee the bullpen would have been ranked number 1.

    As far as the closer goes this year, of course Phillips could handle it and I think Hudson and Almonte could too. If Vesia could cut down on his walks this year he could too.

    Someone mentioned Graterol, but he’s horrible in his career against LHB and last year he improved but it was still bad. He dominates RHB and that’s why overall he was good and if you keep him away from LHB, and if you can bring him in when you know he will face all RHB you got an easy 1,2,3 inning. Even if you bring him in, in a non high leverage inning and he has to face 1 LHB that will probably go good too. I don’t like him as a closer or even in high leverage situations unless you know he’s facing RHB’s. He needs to work on getting LHB out and if he does figure it out, he would be dominate. Just my opinion on him.

24. Mark

    “Of course, there is Caleb Ferguson, but I see him as LH Specialist along with Alex Vesia.”

    Ferguson had big time reverse splits last year . So if you go by last year he’s not a LH specialist. Vesia is good against both sides of the plate.

    The specialists are basically gone because of the 3 batter minimum, unless you’re looking for the final out of an inning to bring someone in (Vesia is too good to use him like that) and what happens if he doesn’t get the final out.

    The best way for Friedman to do things is what I talked about in the post above. Stockpile your bullpen with guys that are good or excellent against both sides of the plate. But that’s hard to accomplish, but do as best as you can.

25. Well, looks like Arte Moreno didn’t get the kind of offers he was hoping for. So he announced that he has suspended the search for a buyer for Angels. (Could be a negotiating tactic, but….)
    No idea if this will make an Ohtani deal more or less likely. But if there is no deal, I think the Angels really need a fantastic run to hang on to Ohtani.

Comments are closed.