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5 Possible Replacements for Mariners’ Closer Fernando Rodney
April 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Fernando Rodney(56) pitches the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
It is rare in baseball, especially when the Mariners are concerned, to have a 9th inning man who is dependable. Fernando Rodney was incredible as the M’s closer in 2014, leading the American League in saves with 48, and representing the Mariners at the All Star Game. However, after 2 consecutive rough outings, is it time to get off the Fernando Rodney rollercoaster?
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Fernando Rodney signed with the Seattle Mariners as a free agent in 2014, and proceeded to have one of his best seasons as a pro. Rodney tied a career high 48 saves, and posted a 2.85 ERA across 66.1 innings pitched. He averaged 10.3 strikeouts per 9 innings, and issued just 3.8 walks per 9 innings. His 2.71 strikeout to walk ratio was the second best mark of his career, as was his 2.83 FIP. Rodney held the opposition to just 1.342 walks/hits per inning. Fernando Rodney had arguably the best season a closing pitcher has ever had while wearing a Mariners’ uniform.
After a pair of drama free outings to start the 2015 season, his job has come into question following consecutive disastrous appearances. Rodney was called on to shut the door in the 9th inning with a 7-3 lead on Sunday afternoon in Oakland against the A’s. Rodney was awful, allowing 4 runs to score, and looking discombobulated. On Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the M’s once again turned to their closer in the final frame, however this time the Dodgers were trailing by just 1 run. Rodney allowed the leadoff man to reach, and things went down hill from there. All told, Rodney has a 1-1 record, and possesses a dismal 16.20 ERA across his first 3.1 innings.
Obviously, it would be an overreaction to immediately remove Rodney as the closer, but it feels like a change down the road is inevitable. I wrote earlier this offseason about the likelihood of a down season, and thus far I have been proven right. His velocity is way down, and right now he cannot locate his pitches. Bob Dutton wrote on Wednesday that skipper Lloyd McClendon is sticking by his man right now. However, as Larry Stone points out, McClendon is incredibly loyal to his players, but he will be forced to make a move if Rodney cannot turn things around soon.
With Fernando Rodney’s future in doubt, I thought it would be a good time to look at some of the options to fill Rodney’s shoes. All of these candidates are currently relievers in the Mariners’ bullpen, and some even have closing experience.
We will begin the list with youngster Carson Smith.
Next: Carson Smith
Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Carson Smith(39) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Smith has appeared in just 14 games in his career, but he has closer written all over him. Smith has yet to allow an earned run across 5.0 innings in 2015, and he has allowed just 2 hits. Smitty is currently averaging 12.6 strikeouts per 9 innings, and just 3.6 walks. He has struck out Mike Trout and Albert Pujols already this season.
The 25-year-old Texas State alum has been brilliant for the Mariners since he was called up last September. Overall, he has struck out 17 hitters and walked 5 across 13.1 career innings. Smith has yet to allow a run as a big leaguer, and he has held opponents to 0.675 walks/hits per inning.
I am a big believer in Carson Smith, but I think he could use a tad bit more seasoning before stepping into the closer role. He is definitely an intriguing candidate, but with so many talented arms in the ‘pen, Smith will have to wait his turn. His stuff is dynamite, and I envision him taking over the 9th inning gig in 2016.
Next: The Bartender
Aug 10, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Tom Wilhelmsen(54) pitches to the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Bartender
Tom Wilhelmsen is one of the most versatile relievers in the M’s bullpen. He has experience closing games, and he has the ability to function as the long man in the ‘pen. The Bartender has struggled in the early going this season, posting a 6.75 ERA across 2.2 innings, but his 1.85 FIP suggests his ERA is misleading. Wilhelmsen has struck out 3 hitters this year, and walked only 1. He is currently on the 15-day disabled list with elbow soreness, but it sounds like he will be activated immediately after his 15 days are up.
The 31-year-old has plenty of experience as a closer, having held the role for much of the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Last year the Bartender was a jack-of-all-trades for the M’s, and put together his best season as a pro. Wilhelmsen went 3-2, and posted a 2.27 ERA across 79.1 innings. He struck out 8.2 hitters per 9 innings, and walked 4.1. The powerful right-hander’s 3.0 strikeout to walk ratio tied a career high.
I think Tom Wilhelmsen is a viable candidate, however I doubt Lloyd will anoint the Bartender to be the Mariners’ closer in 2015. His versatility is far too valuable for Seattle to use him purely as a 9th inning man.
Next: Funky Cold Medina
Aug 19, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Yoervis Medina(31) pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mariners won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Funky Cold Medina
Yoervis Medina is a dark horse in this race. He possesses a 92 mph fastball, and incredible braking stuff. After Rodney blew the 4 run lead in the East Bay, it was Medina McClendon turned to in the 10th inning with a 1 run lead. Funky Cold Medina has been one of the best relievers in the M’s bullpen in 2015, posting a 1.59 ERA across 5.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 5 and walked 1, while allowing 4 total hits.
The 26-year-old right-hander has been phenomenal for the Mariners over the last few seasons. Since his call-up in 2013, Medina has gone 9-9 with a 2.76 ERA across 130.2 career innings. He has averaged 9.4 strikeouts per 9 innings, and has issued 4.8 free passes per 9 innings.
While his 1.301 career WHIP and 1.97 strikeout to walk ratio leave plenty to be desired, I would list Yoervis Medina as the second most likely candidate to take over for the plummeting Rodney. I think Carson Smith’s arsenal is more deadly than Medina’s, but McClendon is a very loyal skipper, and Funky Cold Medina performed admirably for the M’s in 2014.
Next: Dom Leone
Apr 25, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Dominic Leone(52) piches to the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Dom Leone
It may seem strange to see Dominic Leone’s name on this list since he was just re-called from Tacoma on Monday. However, he had the look of a future closer during his time with Seattle in 2014. Leone has made just 1 appearance this season with the Mariners, and he sports a disappointing 0-1 record. He was called on to pitch extended innings on Monday night due to an exhausted M’s bullpen. He was dominant over his first 2 frames, but fell apart in his 3rd inning of work. This was completely understandable, and I do not hold it against him.
The 23-year-old right-hander was a revelation for the Mariners in 2014. After never appearing in a game above double-A, Leone pitched 66.1 innings in a Mariners’ uniform after making the team in Spring Training. He posted a minuscule 2.17 ERA, and allowed just 1.161 walks/hits per inning. He struck out 9.5 hitters per 9 innings, and walked just 3.4 per 9 innings.
It was a shock to hear Dom Leone had not made the M’s bullpen out of camp this spring, but his time in the minors was short, as he was summoned to fill Wilhelmsen’s roster spot. I do not anticipate Leone getting the ball in the 9th inning this season for Seattle, but he is an intriguing option down the road with his impressive fastball/slider combination.
Next: Lord Farquhar
Apr 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Danny Farquhar in the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Lord Farquhar
Danny Farquhar is currently the set-up man in the Mariners’ bullpen, and thus represents the most logical choice to supplant Rodney as the closer. Farquhar has been reasonably effective out of the gate this season for Seattle, registering a 2.84 ERA across his first 6.1 innings pitched. Lord Farquhar is averaging just 7.1 strikeouts per 9 innings, but his 1.4 walks per 9 innings speaks to his tremendous command.
The 28-year-old right-hander has put together a pair of very impressive campaigns in the Emerald City. Farquhar has gone 3-4 with a 3.32 ERA across 133.0 career innings in a Mariners’ uniform. He has averaged 11.2 strikeouts per 9 innings, and has issued just 3.0 walks per 9 innings. His 2.40 FIP is noteworthy, as is his 1.150 WHIP. Farquhar also has saved 17 ballgames for the Mariners since his arrival in 2013.
Danny Farquhar is the name on this list that makes the most sense right now. I still believe Carson Smith is the guy to watch as the season progresses, but Farquhar’s mix of production and consistency make him an ideal candidate to take over for the slumping Rodney.
Next: What Do You Think?
What Do You Think?
In conclusion, I believe if the Mariners opt to make a change at the closer spot, I believe Danny Farquhar or Yoervis Medina make the most sense right now. I also contend the Carson Smith is the closer in waiting on this ball club, but I would like him to have a few more big league innings under his belt before he steps into the pressure packed role.
The point of this article is not to bash Fernando Rodney. I like Rodney, but I just wanted to point out that Seattle is flush with reliable and talented relievers who are ready to take the reigns from the flamboyant 38-year-old. Rodney brings a fun factor to the club, but if the M’s are not winning, no one will be laughing this summer.
Feel free to cast your vote for who you would like to see closing games for the Mariners in 2015. It may not make a difference to Lloyd McClendon, but here at SoDo Mojo we value the readers opinions. Also, notice that Fernando Rodney is listed as an option. If you are not ready for the Fernando Rodney experience to end this season, click the box next to his name to have your voice be heard!
Thank You For Voting!
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