Who is our closer?

[rugbdawg]

One run lead headed into the top of the 9th in game three of a Super...who gets the call?

Options are Rigby (our best overall reliever), Brown (best stuff), Hump, or someone else?

SEC stats for these three: Rigby-ERA 2.30 with 0 saves. Brown-ERA 5.64 with 2 saves. Hump- ERA 8.74 with 4 saves. I guess Blake Smith would be an option too. He has a SEC ERA of 3.52 and one save.

I think it should be Brown only because he has been pretty good the last month...but every option makes me nervous thinking about it. We need to get Hump out of the role in my opinion. SEC teams are batting .350 against him.

Discuss.

ETA: Off topic...In SEC play, Pilkington has given up TWO extra base hits in 24 innings of work (2 doubles). That's incredible. His ERA of 2.25 is best among starters (Dak is 2.75) and his BAA is .234 (Dak is .258).

 

[msstate7]

Brown's era as a reliever is probably much better

 

[MSUDC11]

Brown has been phenomenal as a reliever. Rigby's control has gotten shaky lately, but he still solid.

Hump will be fine. Yesterday was the first runs he had given up in a month. He's not used to pitching with a big lead like he was, so I'm not hugely concerned.

I love that we have several options. And let's not forget how clutch Blake Smith has been at times. Noah Hughes looked incredible in that role at Vandy. Stinks that he got injured.

To answer your question, I'm still going with Humphreys I think. But Brown is a very close second.

 

[DawgsOnTheWing]

1a. Humphries 1b. Brown
3. Rigby

Rigby's control is suspect as of late. Pitches running in on RHs.

Really wish Noah Hughes wouldn't have got hurt.

 

[philduckworth]

It's scary. Brown probably won't be available b/c he has settled in as a middle reliever. Hump looks like a thrower, not a pitcher. I lean to Rigby. I wish Houston could have filled that role.

 

[Wofat1]

With much respect, Rigby has lowest ERA but I would not say he is the best reliever. He has been as fortunate as Ethan Small has been unlucky. In 36.1 innings Rigby has given up 28 hits, which alone is not bad, but he has coupled that with 12 walks and 10 HBP. He has lived on the edge his past 4 outings, credit to him and the defense that he has not had it bite the team. Unfortunately, we are a bullpen by committee and whoever has the hot hand and can throw strikes is the closer that evening. Hump has shown the most consistent ability to fill the strike zone.

 

[gymdawg.sixpack]

Ive enjoyed watching blake smith when he gets his limited chances. His stuff is great. Ive wondered all yr why he wasnt being forced as our closer more.....my guess: cohen is intentionally "hiding" him for post season....seriously wont be surprised if hes our main guy in tight situations all post season.