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Thursday, August 25, 2005
Farnsworth’s closing credentials
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Did Kyle Farnsworth’s first save opportunity for the Braves on Wednesday signal a changing of the guard in the closer role for Atlanta?
Perhaps. But it’s too premature to drawn that conclusion just yet.
More likely, Farnsworth got the opportunity — which he converted, getting the last four outs and recording three strikeouts — because, as Bobby Cox indicated recently, he’s going to use a closer-by-committee with best matchups and who has the hot hand, etc., for the time being. That means Chris Reitsma, Farnsworth and possibly Dan Kolb all could get chances.
Reitsma threw 22 pitches on Tuesday in another poor performance, allowing three hits and two runs in the eighth inning of a game that was already a Cubs rout. What’s worth noting, of course, is that they used him for mop-up work. But Reitsma also hadn’t pitched since Saturday and Cox may just have wanted to make sure he got work Tuesday.
What I’m saying is that it will be a committee effort until Cox says one or the other is the closer, or until he uses one repeatedly in the role.
However, the Braves certainly are considering Farnsworth for the job, given Reitsma’s recent decline and Kolb’s season-long inconsistency.
The Braves are fully aware Farnsworth blew 13 of 14 save opportunities over the previous three seasons with the Cubs, but also wasn’t used for any significant stretch in a closer role, not long enough for him to get comfortable in the job. Earlier this season with Detroit, he was dominant in the setup job and then in a few weeks of closing right before the trade last month.
Consider these numbers: Farnsworth has a 2.26 ERA and .203 opp average this season, with 66 strikeouts and 21 walks in 51-2/3 innings. And in his past 41 appearances he’s got a 1.45 ERA, .188 opp average and is 7-for-7 in saves. Those are fantastic numbers, obviously.
Reitsma in his past 10 games: 10.80 ERA, .375 opp. average, 0-2 and 2-for-5 saves.
Kolb in his past 20 games: 4.24 ERA, .338 opp. average, 0-for-2 saves, seven strikeouts with three walks in 17 innings.
Well, folks, whaddya think? Time to let Farnsworth show if he’s up to closing in the spotlight?
