Off-Season Closer Analysis: San Diego Padres

After shedding the weight of Health Bell (all 250 lbs) from their roster with a trade to the Marlins, the Padres added none other than the well-traveled Huston Street.  This was a serious coup for the Padres.  A lot of people out there think that Heath Bell was the greatest closer in the National League and very close to it because of his remarkable numbers over the past three season.  Let us note that Bell very well was a product of the system.  Don’t get me wrong, Bell is a great closer and he’ll be great in Miami.  However, the Padres offer a closer some great benefits that include a pitcher’s park, great coaching staff for pitchers, and the best; little pressure.

Enter Huston Street, who put up very nice numbers in a HITTER’S park in Colorado now will be facing the somewhat weaker lineups of the N.L. West.  In 2011, Street posted 29 saves in 33 opportunities.  While he was hit hard on occasion, he posted a very doable 3.86 ERA and remained heathy most of the season pitching in 62 games (Only missing time in August). Going to San Diego heavily increases the value of Street.  Expect his ERA to significantly drop as he can use his fastball more often and feel secure that it won’t fly out of PETCO Park.  As my friend Olin says, “Maybin will be chasing down fly balls that would be gone in Colorado”. At 28, Street is primed for a big season and I would expect nothing less from him.  Health has been a great concern for fantasy owners, but note this; Street has pitched in 60+ games in 5/7 seasons.  He should be just fine and give him owners the kind of numbers they expect.

2012 Fantasy Draft Analysis: Draft Huston Street will complete confidence.  I think he is a steal beyond the 11th round.  He is a #1 closer in any fantasy bullpen.