Who should close games for the Sox?
A. Hendriks
B. Kimbrel
C. Kopech
D. Other
I think the Sox have some terrific options (in theory) but I’m leaning toward Kimbrel. His last year with the Cubs was INSANE and he just doesn’t seem to take to an eighth-inning role or multiple-inning stretch like a Hendriks or a Kopech. Hendriks seems like a 2.0 version of David Robertson, while Kimbrel has been struggling in a new role after dominating in his typical closer slot. If he blows a couple 9th-inning leads - and I don’t think he will - then we can recalibrate.
Hendriks is the “dance with the one that has brung ya” option that seems to step on your toes as often he dips you for a kiss. Lotta blown saves and some blown holds and general inconsistency. And the edge-of-seat “will be give up the gopher ball” is maddening this year. Would he be better suited for a multi-inning stretch instead of -
Kopech - wild-card option to close out a game. The stuff has looked great almost the entire year, but does he have enough in the tank to finish the year strong, and can he slide into high-leverage, end-of-game situations with regularity in September and beyond?
Is there another option (Bummer?) if the wheels fall off? Unlikely, but who knows?
