Houston Astros Baseball

Closer To A Closer ?

Closer Free Agent Class

Cordero
Gagne
Wood
Dotel
Kieth Foulke
Rivera
Percival



As soon as Brad Lidge was traded we all had to look up who was available in this year's Closer free agent class. Out of the seven or so "names" that are available to sign, the Astros have publicly expressed interest in two of them. Francisco Cordero who is undoubtedly the top Closer available, and Troy Percival. Troy is said to have interest from 8 teams, 4 or which would use him as a Closer. Troy hasn't been the main man in 3 years, in 2004 he posted 33 saves in 50 IP, with a dazzling 2.90 ERA. In 2005 Troy had a rough year and after dealing with a nagging forearm injury was forced to stop pitching and act as an advanced scout for the Tigers through the 2006 season. In 2007 Troy started as a minor league instructor but requested out of his contract to pursue a comeback. Troy made his first appearance back on June 29, 2007 and struck out his first batter. The rest of the season was a success and may have proved that his arm was truly finally healed.

2007 40IP/1.80ERA/0.85WHIP
Career 651IP/3.02ERA/1.10WHIP/324SV

After 12 seasons, 4 All-Star appearances, a Wold Series ring, and 12 all time for Saves, is Troy again ready to close?

Francisco Cordero


-Cordero picked a good time to have a career year. In 2007 Fransisco doubled his previous year in saves with 44. He was selected to The All-Star team for the second time and was "DHL Delivery Man of the Month" in April. Cordero went 22 straight saves to open the season before blowing one. on June 9, 2007 he blew his first save of the season against his former team The Rangers. His numbers in 2007 were nothing short of amazing and because of this he will be anticipating lots of money over 4+ years. His success in '07 can be attributed to a higher than avg K/9 rate and a very low HR/9 rate. He is a great pitcher but at 32 he shouldn't be expecting a long contract.

2007 63IP/2.98ERA/1.10WHIP/44SV
Career 506IP/3.29ERA/1.35WHIP/177SV

Other Options

Gagne
-Eric Gagne should still be a closer worth mentioning. Although he fell apart in the bright lights of Boston, the fist half of 2007 Gagne had 16 saves and a 2.16 ERA with The Rangers. He is 4 years removed from his Cy Young Award and record setting season.


In 2003, as a closer, Gagne was called upon 55 times to save a baseball game and converted every one of them en route to becoming both the first pitcher to record 50 saves in more than one season and also the fastest pitcher to ever reach the 100-save mark. Gagne's 55 saves in 2003 also equaled the National League record set the previous season by John Smoltz. Between August 26, 2002 and July 5, 2004, he converted 84 consecutive save chances, a major league record. More than half of the batters he retired during the 2003 season came by strikeout. Moving ahead, Prior to the 2007 season, Gagne has converted 161 saves out of 168 save opportunities for a conversion rate of 96.6%, the highest in Major League Baseball history for a pitcher with at least 100 saves.

Wood
-Kerry Wood would be a much cheaper alternative to either Gagne or Cordero, but that's because you never know what exactly you will get from Wood. Before his injures he posted 5 seasons out of 6 with an ERA in the 3's. This season, Wood made his return and impressed many with a 3.33ERA, 0 HR's, and a 9K/9IP ratio. Although this Texan native looks ready to return to the big stage and would prefer a high profile role as starter or closer it is worth noting that he has been on the DL 7 times all for either his right shoulder or tricep. Also, has had TJ surgery for his elbow in 1999.

No Comment