2010 Closer Profile: David Aardsma, Mariners
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com
Team: Seattle Mariners
Projections: 44-4-2.67-1.27-77 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)
Average Draft Position: 158th pick
Recommended Draft Round: 10
Team Saves Projection: 55
Injury Risk/Stability: 9/8
Top 50 Rank: #10
When David Aardsma entered the major league system, most scouts quickly figured him for a future closer or at least that he had the stuff for the job. After years of service and stints with the Giants, Cubs, White Sox, and Red Sox, Aardsma finally got the chance to close for the Seattle Mariners and he made the most of it. He had an absolutely brilliant season saving 38 games with an 2.52 ERA and 80 strikeouts.
Last season I saw the emergence of Aardsma through his developed pinpoint fastball and overbearing confidence that I hadn't seen in previous years. Don't get me wrong, you would also see flashes of Aardsma losing that pinpoint control when he blew saves in grand style with three or more runs. He gave up runs in just eight appearances, but seven of appearances resulted in two or three run being tacked onto his ERA. At 28 years old, Aardsma has completely matured as a pitcher and is not only in the prime of his career, but at it's peak in performance.I don't see any difference for Aardsma in 2010 and the improvement will not result into regression like the naysayers want. He will be the closer in Seattle this season and with Brandon Morrow gone, it leaves only Mark Lowe with any experience in closing games. Aardsma also has a better pitching staff to close for in 2010 and the improved Mariners offense should give him plenty of save chances. Expect the big blown saves we come to see from Aardsma, but in the end count on 44 saves for the Mariners closer.
The True Guru Strategy: Aardsma is one of the better values in the draft amongst closers. He one of the few projected 40+ going past the tenth round. I recommend drafting him in the tenth round. Don't wait too long. Most managers will come to see his value with the improving Mariners, his high K/9, and the 40+ save potential.
Last season I saw the emergence of Aardsma through his developed pinpoint fastball and overbearing confidence that I hadn't seen in previous years. Don't get me wrong, you would also see flashes of Aardsma losing that pinpoint control when he blew saves in grand style with three or more runs. He gave up runs in just eight appearances, but seven of appearances resulted in two or three run being tacked onto his ERA. At 28 years old, Aardsma has completely matured as a pitcher and is not only in the prime of his career, but at it's peak in performance.The True Guru Strategy: Aardsma is one of the better values in the draft amongst closers. He one of the few projected 40+ going past the tenth round. I recommend drafting him in the tenth round. Don't wait too long. Most managers will come to see his value with the improving Mariners, his high K/9, and the 40+ save potential.
Labels: Davis Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
