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I think some consideration should be given for Helsley to be closer. He has been dominant with 11 Ks and no walks in 6 innings. He seems a different pitcher this year, finally living up to his potential.
And this is not a slam on Gallegos, it’s just Helsley has been the best their relief pitcher. Putting Gallegos back to an eight inning role along with Cabrera would help overall as well.
Are five appearances totaling 5 1/3 innings enough to anoint Helsley and remove Gallegos?
(Helsley only made three appearances this spring and in that small sample, Gallegos was more effective.)
Helsley certainly looks the part so far. Obviously we do not know if he will keep up the great command he has shown. But you would think he will get the first shot should Gallegos falter.
Why is everyone ready to run Gio out? The guy has been one of the best relievers in baseball the last 3 years and had 1 “bad” outing enhanced by a fielding error and his own mental lapse and people want to replace him? 2003 Gagne on May 12 went 1/3ip, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 runs. In 2007 Mariano Rivera had back to back outing on April 15 with 2/3 ip, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 R then April 12 with 2/3 ip, 3 H, 2 R. And then April 27 with 1/3 ip, 3 H, BB, 4 runs. And a 2.23 ERA after April 27.
I really like Helsley and have believed in him. But they have to have set up and versatility that Helsley can bring. I think Gio will be just fine and Helsley has a chance to be a really good setup with Whitley. I’m way more worried why Brooks is there and if Wittgren and Cabrera will have enough command to be as effective as they can be.I am not saying we should make a change yet, but IMO Gallegos is a good closer, and a great setup guy. Helsley has better stuff, and the breaking ball improvement gives him 3 plus pitches. Like BikeMike said it will be about continued good command.
I will make the prediction that Helsley has 20 plus saves by the end of the year.
If Gallegos fills Reyes 2021 saves, Helsley and others have 20+ available to backfill. He looks like a good candidate.
Marmol said earlier in the spring that there wouldn’t be a designated closer. He would go with matchups and perhaps bring his top reliever in to put out fires in the 7th or 8th innings. I guess we shall see if it actually happens that way.
Regardless of the designation or order used we seem to be in good hands with Gallegos, Cabrera, and Helsley in the final three innings, and Pallante is coming on strong.
I’ve never been a big believer in the whole “closer” concept anyway. I hope Marmol sticks with his plan to select the man of the moment as the game dictates.
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