Bullpen Report: September 22, 2014
• As a brilliant reader pointed out, Zach Putnam has received the last two save opportunities for the White Sox so he has moved ahead of Jake Petricka on the grid below. So naturally in tonight’s game Petricka recorded the four out save. At this point it could be anyone’s game but with Petricka throwing tonight, Putnam could get the next opportunity, although Petricka only threw 20 pitches. If both are on the wire and you need saves over the season’s final week, I would first make sure other closers aren’t around but if that’s not an option, certainly go for Putnam over Petricka. Skill wise, they are similar with Putnam’s 3.65 xFIP narrowly beating out Petricka’s 3.69 number but the value is mostly tied to who’s pitching the ninth.
• Mark Melancon had the night of yesterday but was back in action tonight, throwing a perfect frame with two strikeouts for his 32nd save. Melancon is behind some of the elite and big strikeout closers, but Melancon should enter 2015 as one of the better closing options in fantasy baseball. Melancon has an ERA under two for the second consecutive year (1.93 ERA) and the peripherals that support it (2.14 FIP, 2.54 xFIP, 2.14 SIERA).
• Greg Holland threw a perfect inning for his 44th save of the year, placing him 2nd behind Fernando Rodney for the league lead. After tonight, Holland’s ERA/FIP/xFIP stands at 1.47/1.79/2.05 with a 37% K%. Holland has been one of the most valuable fantasy pitchers of any kind (reliever or starter) this season, and should remain a top option on the 2015 draft boards.
• We mentioned Neftali Feliz‘ increased velocity last night and it’s nice to see Feliz maintain it on back-to-back days as Feliz recorded his 12th save of the season while averaging 97.2 mph on his fastball, hitting a peak of 98.7. Earlier this season it seemed as though the Feliz of old might not be back, but he’s fully returned from his various elbow and shoulder injuries and his back to his peak velocity. Feliz will receive the remainder of the Rangers opportunities this year and most likely next season as well. If you’re looking for a closer with upside in next year’s draft, Feliz’ current velocity makes him an intriguing option.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
What do you think the odds are of Nathan and Janssen closing next year? I’m assuming the Tigers pick up Soria’s option and expecting the Jays to let Janssen walk.
This is a good question. Janssen is a free agent and he’s really taken a step back this year. His WAR is actually 0.0 at the moment. I don’t think the Jays spend any money on him.
As for the Tigers, I agree they will pick up Soria’s option for a reasonable $7m. But, I think they will give Nathan the first shot to close again. He’s also taken a step back this year and could be a sunk cost but I’m not sure Ausmus will treat him as such. My bet is his $10m pricetag will start the year closing. I doubt he finishes there though. Granted, all this could change depending on a playoff run, if Soria gains the roll and does well in the postseason, I don’t see them taking the ball out of his hands in April.