Closer Conundrum: Let the Free Agent Musical Chairs Contest Begin!

With a tip of the hat to alliterative author Kerry Moss I borrow a title from his bailiwick.

For those of you keeping score at home, the possibilities at closer are extensive and somewhat expensive. But a basic knowledge of the laws of supply and demand have to favor team owners don’t they? The supply this year seems to be unusually large and with a lot of focus on the First Base sweepstakes there may be a valuable play to be made in the bullpen. Let’s see what demonstrated closers are available via free agency:

Closer	Age/2012 Opening Day	G	IP	ERA	K/IP	BB/IP	WHIP	SV	2011 Salary
Heath Bell	34	131	132.2	2.17	9.3	3.3	1.176	90	$7.5 million
Jonathan Broxton	27	78	75.0	4.32	10.0	4.4	1.547	29	$7 million
Matt Capps	28	143	138.2	3.31	6.0	1.0	1.233	57	$7.125 million
Francisco Cordero	36	143	142.1	3.16	6.4	3.7	1.230	77	$12.125 million
Kyle Farnsworth	36	123	122.1	2.80	8.2	2.3	1.071	25	$2.6 million
Frank Francisco	32	110	103.1	3.66	9.8	3.1	1.297	19	$4 million
Ryan Madson	31	117	113.2	2.45	10.0	2.3	1.100	37	$4.833 million
Joe Nathan	37	48	44.2	4.84	8.7	2.8	1.164	14	$11.25 million
Jonathan Papelbon	31	128	131.1	3.43	11.2	2.6	1.104	68	$11 million
Jon Rauch	33	112	109.2	3.94	6.7	2.3	1.322	32	$3.5 million
Francisco Rodriguez	30	126	129.0	2.44	10.2	3.3	1.233	48	$12.167 million
Rafael Soriano	32	106	101.2	2.66	8.2	2.8	0.993	47	$10 million
Jose Valverde	34	135	135.1	2.59	8.8	4.4	1.175	75	$7 million

So far Jose Valverde has already had his option picked up by the Tigers for $9 million dollars and all indications are that Rafael Soriano will return to the Yankees. The Brewers have naturally declined the absurd $17 million option on Scott Boras client Francisco Rodriguez and I doubt the Reds would ever be interested in him based on his representation alone. (Boras also represents Soriano who seems heir apparent to Mariano Rivera.)

I do not see Farnsworth or Nathan as an option due to their age which also makes me question if the Reds really are still considering accepting the option on Cordero who is also 36. If the Reds still consider $12 million an amount to work with then to me Bell, Madson, and Papelbon seem the best choices. Papelbon was once a teammate of Bronson Arroyo and I have always wondered whether he might be a fit. Bell would be a wonderful addition. Jonathon Broxton did not have the season many hoped he would have in 2011 so a flyer on him might be a less expensive bonanza if his performance would improve.

The music has started and I would bet it will be a month or so before it stops and we get a better feel for where the Reds bullpen stands. I wish Mr. Jockety happy hunting!

Follow me on Twitter @JohnHeitz

Topics: Closer, Francisco Cordero, Francisco Rodriguez, Frank Francisco, Heath Bell, Joe Nathan, Jon Rauch, Jonathan Broxton, Jose Valverde, Kyle Farnsworth, Matt Capps, Rafael Soriano, Ryan Madson

http://blogredmachine.com/ brian.k.hines

I’m always worried about pitchers that come from pitchers ballparks (San Diego) and come to the Great American Small Park (a nickname I heard first from Paul Daugherty). I worry that Heath Bell’s contact rate has increased and his ground ball rate has decreased, but if you’re committed to spending $12 million specifically for a closer, it does make more sense to me to try a hand at one of the big closer’s on the market. However, if you can get Cordero for a more reasonable rate for two more years, I’d almost rather see that. I think the moves the Reds should make depends entirely on the contract they can get with Cordero.
http://blogredmachine.com/ brian.k.hines

I’m always worried about pitchers that come from pitchers ballparks (San Diego) and come to the Great American Small Park (a nickname I heard first from Paul Daugherty). I worry that Heath Bell’s contact rate has increased and his ground ball rate has decreased, but if you’re committed to spending $12 million specifically for a closer, it does make more sense to me to try a hand at one of the big closer’s on the market. However, if you can get Cordero for a more reasonable rate for two more years, I’d almost rather see that. I think the moves the Reds should make depends entirely on the contract they can get with Cordero.
JohnHeitz

Anyone with a strikeout rate of 9 or higher and a walk rate less than 3 means they should record a strikeout in almost every appearance without giving away baserunners.

I think Cordero is going to reach for 2 years 25 million or so and that seems far to high given his age. I think the Reds should look for value here more than the best…

Now that the Pirates have officially decided not to excercise the option on 29 year old left hander Paul Maholm, I would make acquiring him a priority. He should come at a decent price and offer the kind of ground ball pitcher GABP demands. I will be writing more about him soon.
JohnHeitz

Anyone with a strikeout rate of 9 or higher and a walk rate less than 3 means they should record a strikeout in almost every appearance without giving away baserunners.

I think Cordero is going to reach for 2 years 25 million or so and that seems far to high given his age. I think the Reds should look for value here more than the best…

Now that the Pirates have officially decided not to excercise the option on 29 year old left hander Paul Maholm, I would make acquiring him a priority. He should come at a decent price and offer the kind of ground ball pitcher GABP demands. I will be writing more about him soon.
Steven Engbloom

If Walt were to agree at that type of deal for Cordero, he should be quickly escorted to the nearest exit from Cincinnati. Also, despite the rise in payroll (or so we’ve heard), Jocketty has stated the Reds would most likely not dabble in free agency. Most moves would likely occur through trades.
Steven Engbloom

If Walt were to agree at that type of deal for Cordero, he should be quickly escorted to the nearest exit from Cincinnati. Also, despite the rise in payroll (or so we’ve heard), Jocketty has stated the Reds would most likely not dabble in free agency. Most moves would likely occur through trades.
Steven Engbloom

As of today, for example, Matt Maloney is a Minnesota Twin. What we got? Nothing yet released by the Reds.
Steven Engbloom

As of today, for example, Matt Maloney is a Minnesota Twin. What we got? Nothing yet released by the Reds.
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