[closing_time_2019 list_id=”35149″ include_stats=”1″]
- Emilio Pagan and Brandon Workman continue to pitch well enough for their respective teams that, with 6 weeks to go in the season, I’d expect them to finish the year in a non-committee role. Jose Leclerc is finally back as the Rangers closer full-time and should be a steady contributor the rest of the season. All three carry tier 2 upside for the rest of the season and could continue to move up the board assuming their roles continue to stay consistent.
- Craig Kimbrel may not return from the IL when eligible, but he is getting closer to a return. Although he was struggling prior to the IL stint, the time off to heal his knee hopefully helps him get on track for the stretch run.
- Although there hasn’t been any formal announcement, it appears that the Cardinals are planning on using Carlos Martinez and Andrew Miller in a platoon closer role, at least for the time being. Miller worked the 9th in a save situation Sunday with the Pirates sending one lefty and a switch hitter to the plate. It also looks like the situations in Toronto, with Ken Giles nursing elbow inflammation, and with the Mets, given Edwin Diaz struggles, could all be platoon spots the rest of the way. Given the chances that Giles could be shutdown and that Diaz could lose his job, Derek Law and Seth Lugo are worth an add for those desperate for saves in 12 teamers.
- After being the most aggressive team in the reliever market at the trade deadline, the Braves appear to be back to square one in their search for a closer, and Luke Jackson appears to be back in the driver’s seat for saves. Between Jackson, Shane Greene and Mark Melancon, this group seems likely to be a headache for owners, as well as the Braves, heading into the stretch run.
When Kimbrel comes back would you rather keep Pagan or Diaz? My other closer is Iglesias. Ottavino and Pressly are rostered for my hold categories.
I’d roll with Pagan at this point. With the Mets creeping towards the playoffs they’ll likely keep riding the hot hand of Lugo more often in the 9th. Pagans job looks to be safe.
Carlos Martinez had worked three straight days, which is why Miller got the save opp Sunday.
It would have been 3 straight and 4 out of 5 days so that makes sense. I still have concerns about his job security there.
It will feel weird, but dropping Diaz for Pagan in my shallow 8 teamer is the right move for ROS, correct? I already own Yates, Hand and Rogers if that makes any difference…
That’s the exact question I had above too. I feel like it is, but I haven’t done it yet. When Kimbrell comes off the DL I’ll have to decide one way or the other. When comparing their xStats Pagan is the clear winner.
These guys have apparently gotten too big to answer these questions anymore. A shame, really.
I think I’m going to go ahead and make the switch. Feel okay about it since I own Yates, Hand and Rogers as well.
If you also want to go a bit deeper we can also look at their team’s saving abilities over the season so far and Tampa wins that argument just slightly as well.
Tampa’s save % is 64.71 while the mets is 56%, Tampa has one more save opp than the mets at 51, Mets have blown 22 saves and Tampa has blown 18, and then when you compare their bullpens Tampa also wins in most of the stat categories.
Assuming Diaz doesn’t all of a sudden snap back into his 2018 self then Pagan seems to statistically from his point of view and his team’s the better pick. So this combined with my first reply is why I’ll be letting Diaz go when I get Kimbrel off the DL. I also have Iglesias as well. Pressly and Ottavino for my holds.
Sorry for the delayed response, I’m on vacation in a cabin in the mountains this week with my family so I have no WiFi or cell service for the most part haha. But as I said before, I think you make the switch.
At this point yes. With only 6-7 weeks left, I think we can move on from Diaz as he just cant seem to put it all together.