Below is a small chart of numbers, looking at just a few rate stats over the last three seasons (or as long as the player's been in the league). There's Joe Nathan, the guy who probably has to be replaced, and then a number of other candidates. Some of them have never closed before, some of them have held the role temporarily, and some of them have been dedicated closers for at least one season as some point in their career. Some are current Twins, others aren't.
Player | K/9 | BB/9 | HR/9 | WHIP |
Joe Nathan | 10.4 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 0.952 |
Player A | 7.5 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 1.056 |
Player B | 9.4 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 1.086 |
Player C | 6.5 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.193 |
Player D | 7.3 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 1.197 |
Player E | 8.7 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 1.216 |
Player F | 10.6 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 1.229 |
Player G | 8.8 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.248 |
Player H | 7.1 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 1.408 |
After the jump, who's who...but first, cast your vote!
Player A - Jose Mijares
Player B - Heath Bell
Player C - Matt Guerrier
Player D - Jon Rauch
Player E - Jason Frasor
Player F - Kerry Wood
Player G - John Smoltz
Player H - Jesse Crain