Brad Ziegler, Rock of the Bullpen

Brad Ziegler, the rock of the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen. Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

I feel like I have a special bond with Brad Ziegler. No, not the kind where I have pictures of him all over my fridge or think that every time he looks into the camera he is saying hi to me. You see, my very first post for venomstrikes almost two years ago was about the side-arming righty reliever and how much of a valuable asset he was to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fast forward to the present and not much has changed. Ziegler, without a shadow of a doubt, is the rock of the D’back bullpen.

The epidemic that gripped the Snakes’ bullpen in 2013 reached every single member except for Ziggy. He had one of the finest seasons of his career, appearing in a National League high 78 games and going 8-1 with a 2.22 ERA. When the closer role became a revolving door around mid-season, it was Zielger who provided stability at the position by saving a career-best 13 games. What I like best about him is that you know that strikes are coming. No gimmicks, no BS, just straight dealing which more often than not results in retiring the opposing team 1-2-3.  How many times have we seen Ziegler throughout his time in Arizona throw one pitch to induce an inning-ending double play or retire three batters on less than ten pitches?

Not only is the guy a heck of a pitcher, but he is a great quote as well. Just like his pitching style, Ziegler is as honest with his thoughts as can be. Who could forget his remarks or tweets about Jhonny Peralta signing that four year deal with the Cardinals earlier this offseason? When all of the backlash starting hitting the fan, Ziggy didn’t back down. For some additional Ziegler entertainment, check out an interview he did on December 18th with KTAR AM 620’s Doug and Wolf by clicking here.

One of the best trades in D’backs’ history is the one that bought Ziggy to Arizona for Brandon Allen and Jordan Norberto. I was thrilled to hear that the rock of the D’backs will be pitching at Chase Field through at least 2016. Yo Brad, I’ll text you later.

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