Fernando Rodney

[WTM]

Rodney just signed with the Angels for 2 yrs/$11M.  For some reason, Rodney was considered one of the two top closers, along with Jose Valverde, well above Dotel.  This doesn't necessarily say anything about Capps or Dotel, but Rodney's a great example of just how screwed up the market for closers is.  He'll open 2010 at 33 and his 2009 numbers were very close, mostly just a bit worse, than his career numbers, which are:

ERA:  4.28
WHIP:  1.42
BB/9:  4.6
K/9:  8.6
H/9:  8.2

The guy looks to me like a Kevin Gregg clone and significantly inferior to Dotel.  He also has a significant injury history.  He missed all of 2004 and significant parts of 2007-08.  So why is he regarded as being on a level above Dotel?  And why is he getting a significant contract from a big-spending contender while Dotel is still out there.  Oh, he had 37 saves last year and Dotel didn't have any (although Dotel has more career saves than Rodney).  That must be it.

[CAfan]

Yes, but he had a great save percentage.

[Slizeezyc]

Yes, certainly perplexing. He's also one of the most frustrating pitchers to follow because his changeup-fastball combo should be lights out but his control lets him down.

[The Moose]

The guy looks to me like a Kevin Gregg clone and significantly inferior to Dotel.  He also has a significant injury history.  He missed all of 2004 and significant parts of 2007-08.  So why is he regarded as being on a level above Dotel? 

I think one of the main reasons, Wilbur, is because Rodney has experience closing for a contender. Including 4 appearances in the 2006 WS. GMs of contending teams know that Rodney can handle the highest-pressure pitching situations - he's proven so. So, they become willing to pay Rodney - and pitchers like him, such as Valverde, who pitched in the 2007 NLCS - a premium for that experience.

GMs of contending teams usually want to go with "known" players, who've been through the grind of a pennant chase, before. At least that's my thoery on the matter. 

[WTM]

Rodney has zero career postseason saves and he pitched poorly in the World Series.  He's never been a closer for a postseason team and only once for a contender.  That was this year when he contributed to the Tigers' late-season collapse by posting an ERA of 9.24 in September and allowing two runs in the playoff game.

Dotel has slightly more postseason experience (although he pitched poorly), and has pitched on more playoff teams, than Rodney or Valverde.  Valverde is simply a much better pitcher than Rodney and a little better than Dotel, so there's a legitimate reason for him to be considered the best closer left on the market.

[The Moose]

The last thing I heard was Dotel wants a 2 year, $10M contract, as well. Now, I don't know if Dotel will get that kind of money. But I'm not exactly anticipating Dotel signing with the Pirates.

[WTM]

The last thing I heard was Dotel wants a 2 year, $10M contract, as well. Now, I don't know if Dotel will get that kind of money. But I'm not exactly anticipating Dotel signing with the Pirates.

No, I doubt they'll pay that.