That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Closer Options, and Metallica?

By Ethan Witte

Jul 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher David Hernandez against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher David Hernandez against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees relief pitcher Bailey (38) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 4-2. (Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees relief pitcher Bailey (38) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 4-2. (Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) /

Andrew Bailey – “Kill ‘Em All” (1983)

Now, we get down to business. Metallica’s first album is considered to be a masterpiece of thrash metal by some experts and fans. Those who are more knowledgeable about this stuff than me consider it one of the best of its genre. If your parents listened, it’s likely that they would say it’s all over the place. Assuming, of course, that they aren’t thrash metal fans. It’s just a lot of loud noise.

Bailey’s career has been a little of the same. His early numbers suggested that greatness was ahead, and he certainly provided several great seasons, just as Metallica did in the 1980’s. Squint and you see a guy with the stuff to be a reliable closer. But the injuries he’s suffered have forced him to bounce around, with irregular results.

Just as Metallica has adjusted in their career, so to does Bailey need to adjust if he wants to get back to the earning power that comes with Save opportunities. He started out as a flamethrower relying on two pitches before last year, when he began to incorporate more into his arsenal.

Can he make a late career comeback, much as Metallica has in recent years? Getting back to his roots, as the band did, could be just what he needs to become a dominant closer again.

Next: Phillies Pen Lacks Metal: RIDE THE LIGHTNING

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