AL Central Closers: Who is the king of the pen?
Feb 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher David Robertson poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The AL Central could arguably have the best closers in baseball. All five of the closers on this list had 24 or more saves last year. David Robertson is the only new addition to the division after signing a multi-year deal with the Chicago White Sox after spending his career with the New York Yankees to shore up the back end of their bullpen.
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With four of the teams expected to compete for a postseason spot how their closers perform could be the difference between making the postseason or getting to work on their golf game early once October arrives.
When determining the rankings of the closers we will look at their 2014 stats in saves, ERA., WHIP, innings pitched, and K/9 as well as their job security for the upcoming 2015 season.
Also feel free to let us know how you would rank the closers as well.
Next: No. 5: Uncertainty in Motown
5. Joe Nathan (Detroit Tigers)
Mar 14, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) throws a pitch during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Saves: 35, ERA: 4.81, WHIP: 1.53, Innings Pitched: 58, K/9: 8.4.
The Detroit Tigers closer did not have a memorable debut with the division champs last year. He may not even be the closer by the time this article is even posted which is why he resides in the fifth spot.
Nathan has had a great career and is a borderline Hall of Famer with over 376 saves, but at age 40 his best years are behind him.
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Nathan’s season could swing two ways. He could return to his form of two years ago where he posted an era of 1.39 with 43 saves or he could continue his slide into mediocrity and get replaced as Detroit’s closer and possibly cut.
Joakim Soria is still with the Tigers and has closer experience and would be most likely the next guy up. Brad Ausmus cannot afford to be patient as the division race is looking to be extremely tight and more than likely will be decided by a few games if not by a game once the season comes to a close.
Next: No. 4: Injury Concerns in Minnesota
4. Glen Perkins (Minnesota Twins)
Sep 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The Twins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Saves: 34, ERA: 3.65, WHIP: 1.18, Innings Pitched: 61.2, K/9: 9.6
The homegrown product of the Twins comes in at fourth in the rankings. He’s been the closer for the Twins for the last three years, but last year was his worst year in terms of ERA, WHIP and WAR. With that said, Perkins still managed 34 saves for the Twins.
The Twins are expected to finish last this year so save opportunities may be hard to come by. Perkins is also dealing with an oblique issue that could sideline him to start the season. This issue shouldn’t prevent him being the Twins closer for the rest of the year though.
There is a chance that come July, Perkins could be dealt but he’s still under a reasonably team friendly contract until the conclusion of the 2017 season, so the Twins would have to get more than enough in return.
Next: No. 3: The New Guy in Town
3. David Robertson (Chicago White Sox)
Feb 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher David Robertson poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Saves: 34, ERA: 3.65, WHIP: 1.18, Innings Pitched: 64.1, K/9: 13.4
Robertson is the only new member to this group in 2015.
He’s only been a closer for one year and had to fill the shoes of the greatest closer of all time in Mariano Rivera after he retired from the New York Yankees.
Robertson performed well enough to land a 4-year, $46 million contract from the White Sox this offseason.
He throws heat and his ability to miss bats are just a couple of the reasons why some experts consider the White Sox contenders for the Wild Card as well as the AL Central championship this season.
Being how he just signed a 4-year deal, Robertson is the closer and is entrenched in that position for the White Sox for the foreseeable future. This is a good thing for the White Sox as they lacked stability at the back end of their bullpen last year.
Robertson has a real shot at breaking the 40-save mark for the White Sox and being the league leader.
Next: No. 2: Lights Out on Lake Erie
2. Cody Allen (Cleveland Indians)
Sep 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen (37) pitches during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. The Indians won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Saves: 24, ERA: 2.07, WHIP: 1.06, Innings Pitched: 69.2, K/9: 11.8
In his first season as the closer for the Tribe, Allen found great success. While his save numbers were the lowest of this group he was the second most dominant pitcher when looking at all the stats.
Though Allen did the job last year the Indians do not have any great financial obligations to him so if he struggles he could be replaced.
That being said Allen will go into the year entrenched as the closer and unless he goes the way of Joe Nathan he will remain in that role.
Next: No. 1: The Royal Flush
1. Greg Holland (Kansas City Royals)
Mar 10, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Greg Holland (56) on the mound during a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox at Surprise Stadium. The White Sox beat the Royals 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Saves: 46, ERA: 1.44, WHIP: .914, Innings Pitched: 62.1, K/9: 13.0
Holland is No. 1 on this list, because he is arguably the best closer in the American League if not all of baseball.
He doesn’t walk guys and he is more than capable of stranding runners with his ability to strike guys out.
While there have been rumors that the Royals may be shopping Holland due to their depth in the bullpen that is the only way that Holland will be removed from the closer role.
Next: Has Micah Johnson won the starting 2nd base job?