2. Andre Scrubb
Okay, stay with me here. Andre Scrubb, aside from having a good name for a closer, may not be the “closer material” we’d want to see, but all we can do is look at what he’s done so far and judge from there. It may be a small sample size, but it wouldn’t be the first time Brent Strom has worked magic on a seemingly underwhelming pitcher acquisition.
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Thus far into the season, Scrubb has not allowed a run in 8.2 innings. He’s faced 37 batters and given up just five hits. He’s already got a save and a hold and he induces majority ground balls. These are all ideal traits for a closer.
So let’s talk about what isn’t ideal.
He’s walked as many batters as he strikes out and I’m sure I’m not alone in stating that I hate walks.
Also, Scrubb’s numbers this year are some of the best he’s ever put up… and that’s compared to all his seasons in the minors. It’s not ridiculous to think that he’s overperforming right now, and that is definitely a concern, but I’m not going to deny the guy credit for what may happen in the future. That’s not fair.
It’s not an exciting choice, but it has the potential to be effective.
Moving on to No. 1.