Addison Reed is the D-backs’ closer, and that’s how it should be
May 14, 2014, 9:31 PM | Updated: 9:31 pm
Addison Reed has two blown saves, an ERA of 5.03 and has given up a mind-boggling six home runs in 19.2 innings.
But despite calls to the contrary, he needs to remain the closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Despite converting 11 saves in 13 opportunities, Reed hasn’t been great. Almost every appearance is an adventure. But what do you want the Diamondbacks to do? David Hernandez is on the shelf, as is J.J. Putz. Brad Ziegler is very good, but he is much better suited to help in earlier innings.
Reed is 25 years old. He saved 40 games last year and had an ERA of 3.79 for the White Sox. Arizona gave up a good prospect in Matt Davidson to get him from Chicago in a trade. And now six weeks into the season, there are calls for his head.
If Arizona was in contention and this was August or September, those calls might be justified. But this team is 16-26 and not going anywhere this year. So why give up on a young talent and discard him?
Reed has to learn the National League and its players, its parks and develop a better rapport with Miguel Montero. He needs to be allowed the chance to work through his problem of serving up the long ball.
Arizona acquired Reed with the hopes he would be their closer for several years and that is still the plan.
He’s clearly not happy with the way he is pitching, but he needs to be given the chance to work his way out if it.
