Brett Myers Traded; Drew Storen’s Lackluster Return

Closer news got busy this weekend with the highly anticipated return of Drew Storen and the completely expected trade of Brett Myers.  Neither are worth much analysis at this point, but both could be tasty treats by late August..  Myers was traded to the Chicago White Sox and will likely be used as a setup man behind closer Addison Reed.  While Reed has struggled recently, there are no signs that Manager Robin Ventura will remove him from the closer role, though he said the following, “Right now, he’s probably in there doing the same stuff as Jesse.”  He was speaking of Jesse Crain, the setup man.

What I take form that is that Ventura is not 100% set on Addison Reed as their closer.  He is a rookie and the White Sox are trying to win the division.  Myers was clearly acquired as insurance and it might be a policy that Ventura will try to collect on sooner than later.  If Myers is available in your leagues, pick him up.  He holds a lot of value for a team making a playoff push and he could be closing in two weeks if Reed can’t get it together.  My money is on Reed, but with how weird this year has been, anything can happen.

DREW STOREN

Drew Storen was activated from the 60-Day disabled list last week and made his first appearance Thursday and boy did he not disappoint (assuming you are a Braves fan) on Friday.  Thursday he pitched a clean inning against the Mets, but Friday was a different story.  Storen was unable to record an out and only faced two batters before being removed.  He gave up a single, than a walk before he was pulled for Sean Burnett, who then gracefully allowed both runners to score.

Overall, Storen looked a bit rusty, but good.  With how good Tyler Clippard is pitching, there is no need for saving in the Nats bullpen.   I don’t see him returning to the closer role this year, and the Nationals have some deep decisions to make.

1. Who will be there closer now and of the future?

2. Will they trade bullpen depth for a bat?

Storen has been rumored to be on the block.  We shall see.