Comments on: Will J.J. Putz Regain Elite Closer Status?

By: Steve Bartman

Steve Bartman — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:30:05 +0000

Has anyone heard anything about Putz this Spring that might be any indication as to what his value is in a fantasy league that doesn’t use holds?

By: diderot

diderot — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:18:03 +0000

Watching someone pitch is not the same as studying the underlying stats, but seeing him pitch last year it would be difficult to conclude he was the same person he was in 2007. He looked terrible.
But one stat that does bear confirmation was his struggle pitching anywhere other than the ninth inning. Whatever the reason for some closers who just can’t get it done in the eighth, Putz is the poster child for that disorder.

By: Brian Joura

Brian Joura — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:47:41 +0000

Thanks for reading and commenting, Jim!

Here are the lines for Nathan, K-Rod and Papelbon for 2008 and Putz for 2007, his last injury-free season. I’m going to leave out saves, because it will make K-Rod instantly recognizable. The other three had 39, 40 and 41 – basically interchangeable. I’m leaving off the names and I’d like you to rank them as to which are the best.

ERA WHIP SO
A 2.34 0.95 77
B 2.24 1.29 77
C 1.99 0.90 74
D 1.38 0.70 82

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:35:11 +0000

I’d say putting in the top 3 to 5 is extreme, especially considering you have K-Rod (although I would avoid him completely because of the mileage on his arm), Nathan, and Papelbon. There’s no way he’s better than any of them, especially with Seattle.