Monday, November 7, 2011

WTH 25-Man Roster - Closer

As posted over the weekend, 2B Delino DeShields Jr. overwhelmingly won the eighth spot on the WTH roster.  Also receiving votes were Yonathan Mejia, John Hinson, Jose Thompson and Luca Martone.  Go here for more info on the What the Heck 25-Man Roster.

Next, let's pick our closer.  I am only including those players who actually got saves in a significant number of games pitched.  I am not including individuals such as Jack Armstrong who may project to have closer-type stuff, but you will have the opportunity to vote on Armstrong and others later for another bullpen spot.  I didn't establish a minimum number of appearances.

You can go several different ways on this one.  Jorge de Leon has strong numbers with a 1.102 WHIP and a .225 BA against, plus strong strikeout numbers.  Jose Valdez has an absurdly high SO/9 of 12.04.  Blake Ford has a 1.90 ERA plus decent peripheral numbers.  But for me, I really like Ryan Cole with his good solid 2.33 ERA, a SO/9 of 8.33 and a SO/BB ratio of 4.17.  I will admit I have another, very superficial gut-instinct reason for liking Cole.  The persona he projects on twitter is one of a strong, in control, no-nonsense, no excuses, sure of himself individual.  In other words, I see the mentality of a closer written all over him.  I know it's not exactly scientific, but sometimes you just have to go with the gut.

With all that said, here are the 2011 stats for the players.  Look them over and vote for one.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.