The N.L. Closer Report: 4/23

For the purposes of the “Closer Report” (which will be a weekly feature), we’ll place the relief aces in one of three categories: Death Grip (these guys have no chance of relinquishing the closer’s role; think Mo Rivera), In Control (a good chance of continuing to rack up the saves) and Watch Your Back (the set-up man is planning a coup d’etat as we speak).

Death Grip

Brad Lidge, Phillies: Eric Gagne (wherever he’s rehabbing these days) can breathe a sigh of relief, as Lidge didn’t last near long enough to challenge the goggled wonder’s record of 84 consecutive saves. Regression to the mean is a fickle mistress, and Lidge has already given up 3 taters on the young season (2 all of last year). No pitcher can sustain a 3.9 HR/FB ratio for very long, as “Lights Out” did last season.

Francisco Rodriguez, Mets: K Rod has found his new digs to his liking, striking out nine batters in 5.2 IP. 3 for-3 in save ops without allowing a run, Rodriguez has also seen his fastball velocity (subject of much debate this offseason) bounce back up to 92.8 MPH (91.9 MPH in ’08).

Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers: Broxton has punched out 11 hitters in 6.2 frames, without walking a batter. He’s four-for-four in save chances, and opponents are making contact against him just 65.1% of the time (80.4% major league average). His approach hasn’t been groundbreaking: Broxton has reared back and fired a searing 97.6 MPH heater on nearly 90% of his pitches. It’s just that no one can hit the darned thing.

Matt Capps, Pirates: The Mad Capper is 5-for-5 in save ops thus far, showcasing his typically stellar control. He has yet to issue a free pass, and has thrown a first-pitch strike 75% of the time.

Heath Bell, Padres: The leader in the closer clubhouse with 0.90 WPA, Bell has converted 7 saves for the Padres in the early going.

In Control

Matt Lindstrom, Marlins: After suffering a shoulder injury during the spring, Lindstrom hasn’t quite been his usual self, throwing his fastball 95 MPH instead of 97 while cutting his slider usage in half. Looking at his Pitch F/X data, Lindstrom’s heater has the same amount of horizontal movement (or lack thereof), tailing in 3.1 inches to righthanded batters (3.2 in 2008; the average for a righty is about 6 inches), while he has slightly less vertical movement as well (8.1 inches, compared to 8.8 in 2008).

Francisco Cordero, Reds: Cordero has racked up 6 saves already, punching out 6 batters while doing his usual tight rope act (4 walks).

Jose Valverde, Astros: Valverde has a bruised ankle and a tight calf after Orlando Hudson hit one back up the middle that smacked the bespectacled, emotional reliever Tuesday night (he should be just fine). Valverde has surrendered 3 runs in 6 innings so far.

Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks: Qualls has four saves in five chances, as his low-90’s heat/high-80’s slider mix has generated plenty of worm-burners (66.7 GB%).

Brian Wilson, Giants: [insert obligatory Beach Boys reference here]. Wilson has whiffed 8 batters in 6.2 innings, surrendering one run. His fastball has had even more hop thus far, coming in at 96.9 MPH (95.8 MPH last year).

Trevor Hoffman, Brewers: He might not be back just yet, but we might as well toss Hoffman back into the closer’s ring. The big question for the all-time saves leader is: can he limit the long ball damage, now that he doesn’t call cavernous PETCO Park home?

Watch Your Back

Joel Hanrahan, Nationals: Joel has gotten jacked up so far, with 5 runs surrendered and two blown saves in 7 IP. His first-pitch strike percentage is a gruesome 38.2%, third-worst among all relievers.

Mike Gonzalez, Braves: Gonzalez has missed plenty of bats (11 K in 6.1 IP), but he’s also allowed 3 free passes and 4 runs on his watch. Gonzo relies heavily upon a low-80’s slider (thrown 45.9% of the time in 2009) than can be a wicked offering, but his control of the pitch is scattershot.

Kevin Gregg, Cubs: Gregg is winning over few people in Wrigleyville so far, with 5 runs allowed in 7 frames. His FIP stands at 6.52, while Carlos Marmol checks in at 3.64.

Ryan Franklin, Cardinals: Franklin is apparently the guy in St. Louis for now, and he has done a nice job with 4 saves, 6 K’s and one walk in 7 innings. Still, this is Ryan Franklin, he of 4.87 career strikeouts per nine innings.

Manny Corpas, Rockies: Our first usurping! Corpas led a peaceful transfer of power from Huston Street, who was knocked down the totem pole to middle-man status for the time being. Corpas is a useful reliever, though calling him a shutdown ‘pen arm would be exceedingly kind. His career FIP is 3.79, and his K rate is 6.33 per nine innings.