The Toronto Blue Jays signed closer BJ Ryan in the off-season to a 5 year contract, paying a total of $47 million. The team that lost Ryan received a compensary first round selection in this year’s amateur draft. They also replaced Ryan will Chris Ray, a player earning the league minimum. Here are a few of their stats;
Player |
WS |
VORP |
ERA |
OPS |
Ryan |
16 |
35.1 |
1.43 |
.464 |
Ray |
11 |
20.9 |
2.81 |
.643 |
Individual statistics aside, the closers job is simple. He is placed in the game when his team has a lead, and he is expected to hold these lead. With this in mind, BJ Ryan has saved 35 games and blown only 4. Chris Ray has saved 33 games and blown 5. Not much of a difference, is it? Now, a closer can’t create his own save opportunities and he shouldn’t be punished for the amount of save situations that he pitches in. But when looking at stats like these, or stats from other major league closers, for example, Todd Jones, who has a 4.10 ERA and has converted 36 saves and only blown 4, absolutely dominating the opposition is not a requirement of being a major league closer. It’s certainly nice to have, but again, the main objective is to close the game out.
Statistics don’t account for the psychological value of a solid. In recent history, the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees have been able to shorten the game with their strong bullpens.
I’m sure if you asked fans of the Atlanta Braves this earlier in the season they would agree with the psychological effect of having a good closer. After his recent success, the Braves rewarded Bob Wickman for to a $6 million extension for next season.
I personally think that there is no reason to spend over $5 – $6 million dollars for a closer, unless you are a legitimate playoff contender that also happens to play in a big market. The Jays are currently neither, until they leap frog the top two in the AL East. Even if they do make a few changes and challenge for a playoff spot next season, a large majority of their payroll will be going towards the closers role over the next few seasons. BJ Ryan averages over $9 million over the course of his contract. Even worse, his contract is back loaded. Chris Ray, on the other hand, will make approximately $350,000 a season for the next two seasons before he is eligible for arbitration. This leaves the Orioles free to spend their salary savings on an everyday player or a competent starting pitcher.
The Baltimore Orioles have to be pleased with their current situation, gaining a draft pick and saving over millions in salary over the few seasons, for essentially the same production.
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