2015 Closers Thread

[The Dane]

the first one is the most important. I think if both were available and I could only grab one, I'd lean to Betancourt.

Sorta. Axford and Ottavino were unavailable. I think all Betancourt's save teaches us is that he's ahead of Boone Logan. I'm hoping for Ottavino, but I really don't know how this is going to play out. I can't see Axford being successful in Coors, as he's been a gascan in more forgiving environs.

[Pogues]

Sorta. Axford and Ottavino were unavailable. I think all Betancourt's save teaches us is that he's ahead of Boone Logan. I'm hoping for Ottavino, but I really don't know how this is going to play out. I can't see Axford being successful in Coors, as he's been a gascan in more forgiving environs.

I also don't believe Axford is going to be the guy. They might try him, but I'd guess a pretty high chance he blows up. He was good 2010-11, but since he was horrible in Milwaukee in 2012 and lost the closing job in Cleveland last year.

[Judge Jude]

The faith in Rockies bullpen logic here restores my belief in humanity

[Sharky]

I picked up Betancourt in our NL-only 5x5 league. Always difficult to work out trades, but am considering trying to flip him now. What sort of return would you expect 1-for-1 now for Betancourt? Please provide an SP name or two and a hitter or two.

[The Dane]

I picked up Betancourt in our NL-only 5x5 league. Always difficult to work out trades, but am considering trying to flip him now. What sort of return would you expect 1-for-1 now for Betancourt? Please provide an SP name or two and a hitter or two.

I can't imagine his value would really be that high, given that it is an unsettled situation. I'd think you'd stand to get more value from holding him and if he lands the gig, use him for saves yourself or trade him as a newly-minted closer. Seems like you're playing with house money at this point, you can sell it now for something little, or wait and sell it for something big. Seeing as how you are minimally invested, you have to go big.

[Sharky]

I can't imagine his value would really be that high, given that it is an unsettled situation. I'd think you'd stand to get more value from holding him and if he lands the gig, use him for saves yourself or trade him as a newly-minted closer. Seems like you're playing with house money at this point, you can sell it now for something little, or wait and sell it for something big. Seeing as how you are minimally invested, you have to go big.

I think that's great advice. Or try for a 2 for 1 upgrade at minimum.

[The Dane]

So, the Rockies used Betancourt in the 8th and he gave up a run. They give the save opportunity to Ottavino and he strikes out the side for his second career save. I doubt this cements him as the Newly Minted Closer but he's probably ahead of Betancourt and Boone, and we'll see when Axford is back whether he's ahead of him as well. Tonight's showing probably helped his case considerably.

[Hornsby]

So, the Rockies used Betancourt in the 8th and he gave up a run. They give the save opportunity to Ottavino and he strikes out the side for his second career save. I doubt this cements him as the Newly Minted Closer but he's probably ahead of Betancourt and Boone, and we'll see when Axford is back whether he's ahead of him as well. Tonight's showing probably helped his case considerably.

Probably not, it was only against the Giants, so it's not like it was real competition. :runsaway:

[Silentmist]

So, the Rockies used Betancourt in the 8th and he gave up a run. They give the save opportunity to Ottavino and he strikes out the side for his second career save. I doubt this cements him as the Newly Minted Closer but he's probably ahead of Betancourt and Boone, and we'll see when Axford is back whether he's ahead of him as well. Tonight's showing probably helped his case considerably.

If they go with anyone else, Walt should be fired immediately. He's been the rare reliever who can succeed in Colorado, and the track record of Axford... we know what that is.

[revo]

So, the Rockies used Betancourt in the 8th and he gave up a run. They give the save opportunity to Ottavino and he strikes out the side for his second career save. I doubt this cements him as the Newly Minted Closer but he's probably ahead of Betancourt and Boone, and we'll see when Axford is back whether he's ahead of him as well. Tonight's showing probably helped his case considerably.

Thomas Harding, MLB.com beat writer for the Rockies: "Putting an end to all speculation, #Rockies manager Walt Weiss informed Adam Ottavino before tonight's game that the closer role is his."

[GwynnInTheHall]

Thomas Harding, MLB.com beat writer for the Rockies: "Putting an end to all speculation, #Rockies manager Walt Weiss informed Adam Ottavino before tonight's game that the closer role is his."

Set in sand stone.........

[The Dane]

Thomas Harding, MLB.com beat writer for the Rockies: "Putting an end to all speculation, #Rockies manager Walt Weiss informed Adam Ottavino before tonight's game that the closer role is his."

Frankly, this took a year longer than I thought it would.

[bryanbutler]

ottavino with the save again last night, and looked good doing it (struck out two). the rockies announcers were all over him being the set closer...

[The Dane]

ottavino with the save again last night, and looked good doing it (struck out two). the rockies announcers were all over him being the set closer...

The kid does have mad skills, but his park and his traditionally-lousy team make speculating on him a difficult endeavor. Trust me, I've been all over this guy since I grabbed him in all my leagues at the beginning of last year, and it has driven me nuts.

This whole situation does teach us something about Weiss. He went with the vet as long as he was effective, even though the numbers said it was smoke and mirrors. Once the vet showed his true value, he actually went with the right choice. He vacillated a little bit there, but he eventually ended up with the right guy closing games for him. A lucky accident it could be, but he did get one right and he should get credit for it.

[BuckyBuckner]

Ottavino's stats and success are misleading. He's been pretty sheltered from left handed batters, who absolutely annihilate him. Combine that with the fact that he's a Colorado pitcher and I think folks would be well served to be cautious (or, even better, to sell high).

He's working on stuff to combat his troubles against lefties (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/adam-...h-new-weapons/) but he's also 29 years old. Old dog, new tricks, etc.

I was thinking the same thing, he has a career ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.41. Granted the WHIP has been trending in the right direction but that hardly screams obvious choice for closer material. He has been lights out so far this year, I'll give him that. I wanted him in my NL only but he went for $11 and I could not go that high.