Toronto Blue Jays' closer, B.J. Ryan, has had a rough Spring Training posting an ERA around 9.00 and not looking like a closer. It is being said that his velocity is down in the mid-eighties and that doesn't work for a closer. Some of the same comments were made last year and he turned it up a notch in the regular season and played well.
It is clear that this news is a blow to Ryan's value and Ryan owners need to cover themselves by picking up Scott Downs (5 saves 1.78 ERA in '08), who was mentioned by Cito Gaston as a possible closer. Downs was great last year, but he is a lefty and though that does not mean he can't close, it just means it is rare. Jeremy Accardo got 30 saves with a 2.12 ERA in 2007, but he had a poor 2008 and is a long shot.
In the end, Ryan will be given every chance to close and if he fails, likely a second chance down the line. Stay away if you have not drafted, but don't cut him if you have him. Naturally, if you can, pick up Scott Downs ASAP.
Sin City Scout
Labels: bj ryan, Jeremy Accardo, scott downs, Sin City Scout, toronto blue jays