Colletti Wants Closer By Committee...Donnie Baseball Sticks With Broxton

Since most of the Dodger Universe points to this pitch as the moment Broxton "lost his confidence" I figured, the was a good picture include in my post.  Some others in the Dodger Universe still point to the night Joe Torre brough in Broxton in the 9th inning with a 4-run lead against the Yankees on June 27, 2010.  Either way, Jonathan Broxton as Dodger closer continues to be one of the most debated topics in the Dodger Blogosphere.  According to mlb.com most Dodger fans almost got their wish.

Dodger GM Ned Colletti was on KABC 790 radio this morning and told host Peter Tilden:

"We hope to get Kuo back Friday.  Padilla's been back a few days.

We hope to give Donnie three choices or so at the end of the game and

let him make up his mind based on matchups or whatever

until Broxton can get his confidence back and get settled."

After hearing and/or reading that, one would assume Broxton's days as closer were numbered.  Well, you know what they say about assuming.  Here is what Broxton had to say:

"I saw it on TV -- closer by committee.  Until I hear it from somebody around here,

it's basically hearsay.  Donnie told me I'm the closer and to go from there.

He told me I'm throwing the ball good. There are going to be days I'm [unavailable], and

that might stir up more stuff. Right now, I'm still the closer."

 

I've already stated my opinion here and will do so again.  In short, I agree Broxton doesn't seem to have the same velocity.  While I think it may have something to do with confidence, I also believe it could be an injury.  Also, if our closer isn't Broxton, then who?  Kuo? Not now, he's on the DL and has had numerous shoulder surgeries.  Jansen? The kid isn't ready, yet. Padilla? It would be interesting.  I absolutely welcome and appreciate the feedback on the blog's FB page last night.  It was some nice debate.  I'm sure today will bring more.

 

Here is Howard Cole's take from the Dodgers Blog on the Orange County Register web-site

 

True to the Blue!



My Two Cents on Jonathan Broxton As Closer - It Could Be Worse

I've had some personal conversations with friends regarding Jonathan Broxton's performance as closer this year.  After reading a couple of things in other blogs, I figured it was time to offer my two-cents.  Broxton is 5 for 5 in save opportunities this year.  Despite the fact that he is perfect in save opportunities, he has struggled.  His ERA is 6.14 and he has only 5 strikeouts over a total of 7.1 innings.  This is a far cry from the performances he displayed in 2008, 2009 and the first half of the 2010 season.  Everybody seems to point to his meltdown against the Yankees last year as the beginning of his fade.  While, I won't dispute the fact his velocity is down since that game and his ERA and blown saves are up since then as well.  However, I will give him credit for not yet blowing a save opportunity this year.  When a manager goes to his closer, he asks him to get enough outs to hold onto the lead so the team can get the win.  That's exactly what Broxton has done so far.  Is he dominating? No.  Is he blowing batters away with his fastball? Nope.  Will he ever be the old Jonathan Broxton again? Who knows!?

I've been trying to point out to others that Broxton is our best option at the moment.  Kuo is on the disabled list and even if he weren't his past elbow issues probably prevent him from being a full time closer.  Kenley Jansen hasn't been much better than Broxton this year and might be a better option next season but not now. 

It could definitely be worse.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have 4 blown saves in 9 save opportunities.  The Milwaukee Brewers have 4 blown saves in 7 save opportunities.  Hold on, it gets better.  Ryan Franklin of the Cardinals who was the victim of Matt Kemp's walk-off has had 5 save opportunities and has blown 4 of them.  His ERA is a whopping 11.57.  Matt Thornton of the Chicago White Sox is 0-2 with a 7.94 ERA has blown all 4 of his save opportunities.  The White Sox as a team have blown 6 of 7 opportunities.

I'm not trying to be a Broxton apologist but i'm definitely saying he is getting the job done so far.  It hasn't been pretty or fun to watch but he's getting it done.

Take a look at this video to watch Ozzie Guillen's take on the White Sox bullpen.

As always, great work by Evan over at OpinionofKingmansPerformance with his take on the Dodger bullpen linked here

Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts offers his opinion linked here

True to the Blue!