Is Joe Nathan the best closer in baseball?

[Havok1517]

I'd actually probably go Ryan or KRod to start my team. They're both younger than Nathan and K more. If Lidge can figure out whats been going on with him and fix it for good. I'd pick Lidge.

Nathan 68 K's 48 IP
Ryan 63 K's 53 IP
Krod 59 K's 46 IP

historically that hasn't been the case.

Lidge 74 K's 51KIP

Obviously, not the only factor.

[bigh0rt]

When Lidge isn't hanging sliders, I'll take him, if we're looking beyond the rest of this season and possibly 1 more season down the road. After him, give me Nathan.

[CircleMeBert]

I'd actually probably go Ryan or KRod to start my team. They're both younger than Nathan and K more. If Lidge can figure out whats been going on with him and fix it for good. I'd pick Lidge.

Nathan 68 K's 48 IP
Ryan 63 K's 53 IP
Krod 59 K's 46 IP

historically that hasn't been the case.

Lidge 74 K's 51KIP


Obviously, not the only factor.

I would agree that it would be hard not to choose BJ here, but I would definetly put Nathan over Krod. Nathan has had one more year closing than both of these guys, but it's still close between him and BJ.

Nathan 04'-06': 190.1 innings, 251 K's, 1.98 era, .94 WHIP

Krod 05', 06' (only counting full seasons as closer, thus omitting 04'): 113.2 innings, 150 K's, 2.53 era, 1.11 WHIP

BJ 05', 06': 125.2 innings, 166 K's, 2.00 era, 1.01 WHIP

Seems to me like Nathan kindof flies under the radar with numbers like these.

[teddy ballgame]

Another name that I think should be thrown in the mix is Putz. He's only 29, and even though this is his first year of closing, 72 K's in 55 IP is pretty damn good, along with only 9 walks.

[Havok1517]

Another name that I think should be thrown in the mix is Putz. He's only 29, and even though this is his first year of closing, 72 K's in 55 IP is pretty damn good, along with only 9 walks.

For some reason I think Putz and Otsuka are going to get hit really hard next year. Neither 1 has dominating stuff but get the job done. I think guys will start to figure them out.

[smoovethug]

If this is for the future I'm going to have to go with K-Rod. He's young and fithy. The only doubt in my mind about him is that his violent motion always looks like its an injury waiting to happen. After that I'd go Nathan then B.J. Ryan.

[DevilDriver]

Nathan then KRod

[bleach168]

Another name that I think should be thrown in the mix is Putz. He's only 29, and even though this is his first year of closing, 72 K's in 55 IP is pretty damn good, along with only 9 walks.

For some reason I think Putz and Otsuka are going to get hit really hard next year. Neither 1 has dominating stuff but get the job done. I think guys will start to figure them out.

Agree with Otsuka, disagree with Putz. I think Putz does have dominating stuff.

Back on topic, I would take Papelbon. I love that he isn't strictly a 3-out closer. He is like his own setup man.

[Laean]

BJ Ryan is the best closer in my mind...and it isnt even close. I would take him over anyone especially if I was just starting a team. The guy can seriously dominate.

and nathan isn't dominating? rivera? papelbon?

not that i'm disagreeing with you on that ryan is dominating, but explain to me how "it isn't even close."

anyway, for my vote it goes to nathan.

rivera is out only because of his age.

same with hoffman.

papelbon will be a starter i think, and even if not, it's only been one year. and obviously, he's not going to have sub 1 era throughout his career anyway.

krod is good, but he seems kind of like an injury hazard to me.

ryan, he'd be my next pick after nathan.

[looptid]

Rivera's a first ballot Hall of Famer, but Nathan has been the best closer in baseball over the last three years. Ryan is up there. I think K-Rod is a notch beneath.