In search of ...

[flyer85]

a closer.

This from BP

Cincinnati Reds:

ARP rank   Year   Pitcher            WXRL   ARP    BB/9  K/9
61         2006   David Weathers     2.566  10.6   3.5   6.0
416        2006   Bill Bray          1.098  -1.3   2.6   6.6
49         2006   Todd Coffey        2.585  12.4   2.3   6.8

Coffey's act of running out to the mound never gets old with me--he's an inspiration. Despite looking like he's in his mid-fifties, he's only 25, and the best of this motley group last year. The prototypical example of a player who may be forced into a closing role, Coffey will also give you decent value as a middle reliever in the interim. The X-factor in Cincinnati is a strange front office, one that hails from Intangible, Ohio.

BTW

ARP - Adjusted Runs Prevented
WXRL - Expected wins added over a replacement level pitcher, adjusted for level of opposing hitters.

[BRM]

I love the Intangible, Ohio line. From Trent's blog over the weekend:

Talked to Jerry Narron about the closer situation. It's still going to be David Weathers and Mike Stanton, unless one of the young pitchers -- Narron mentioned Todd Coffey -- is truly dominant in camp.

"I don’t know if we have that kind of big arm in camp that’s going to change anything," Narron said.

[flyer85]

seeing as the Reds really don't have an ideal closer candidate, I don't mind them going with the old guys. If you use a younger guy with future utility all you do is drive up his salary.

[edabbs44]

Coffey's act of running out to the mound never gets old with me--he's an inspiration.

I didn't know Marty wrote articles as well.

[Ltlabner]

I guess we don't have much hope in Kerry Ligtenberg making the team, or having anything postive to contribute?

W    L  SV    ERA   G   IP    R    ER   HR  BB   SO   WHIP 
17  20  48   3.82  386  390.7 173  166  46  158  357  1.32

I've done zero research (yes, I'm lazy today) so he may be a total chump but who knows.

Of course, with so many spots already spoken for, if Ligtenberg, Livingston, Salmon and/or anybody else steps up there's just not going to be room for them. Of course, if they do this, it make some of the other guys expendable/tradeable.

[Razor Shines]

Originally Posted by Ltlabner

I guess we don't have much hope in Kerry Ligtenberg making the team, or having anything postive to contribute?

W    L  SV    ERA   G   IP    R    ER   HR  BB   SO   WHIP 
17  20  48   3.82  386  390.7 173  166  46  158  357  1.32

I've done zero research (yes, I'm lazy today) so he may be a total chump but who knows.

Of course, with so many spots already spoken for, if Ligtenberg, Livingston, Salmon and/or anybody else steps up there's just not going to be room for them. Of course, if they do this, it make some of the other guys expendable/tradeable.

That k/9 at 8.3 looks nice, but he's had Tommy John surgery and doesn't throw as hard as he used to.