3 Reasons Why Brad Ziegler Will Not Make the All-Star Team
By Thomas Lynch
Jun 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brad Ziegler against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Ziegler has been outstanding in 2015. The current closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ziegler’s ERA is a miniscule 1.25, fourth best among National League stoppers. He is on track for his best season since 2008, his rookie year. For the second time in three seasons, Ziegler has been asked to rescue a bullpen that has lost its ninth inning man (J.J. Putz in 2013, Addison Reed this year) and has done it without any hitches. Unfortunately for Ziggy, none of these accomplishments will result in his first All-Star selection. Here are three reasons why:
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1-The save total
Ziegler has converted 12 of 14 save opportunities. While that is a nice percentage, the 12 saves is at the bottom of the National League as far as full-time closers go. Had Ziegler been the guy at the beginning of the season, he could have earned an additional five saves or so and assuming, with the same performance, could have been more strongly positioned for a spot on the All-Star team.
2-Lack of strikeouts
Part of Ziegler’s charm is also his curse when it comes to choosing among closers. Who doesn’t want to see Aroldis Chapman throw 100 MPH repeatedly? Or have Trevor Rosenthal come in, guns blazing and painting the black with 98 MPH heat? Ziegler is almost the anti-closer, throwing 82 MPH frisbees, finishing off a game with 9 or 10 pitches. But guess what? The result is still the same as those fireballers: the team wins the game.
3-A crowded field
Whether it is the numbers of a Chapman or a Rosenthal, or a the possibility of a team’s only rep in the game (Jonathan Papelbon of the Phillies), there is a boatload of competition for Ziegler at his spot. I haven’t even mentioned Mark Melancon until now and he has 27 saves in 28 chances. Simply put, there are too many good players at the position that will leave off a real deserving candidate, much less Ziegler. That’s OK. We know Ziggy is an All-star in our books.