In this preview of the Red Sox's pitching situation, attention shifts to potential closers following Kenley Jansen's departure. The discussion highlights Liam Hendriks as a top candidate. Despite a personal bias towards him, his skills as a closer are notable, with a strong fastball and effective breaking balls. However, his recent absence from the mound due to cancer treatment and surgery raises doubts about his effectiveness. The article speculates on possible approaches for managing the closer role, either with a single player or a committee.
Regardless of his current baseball ability, he's exactly who I want my closer to be. He'll travel the country visiting children's hospitals, taking photos, and being a charismatic Aussie during the day.
Hendriks is your standard, no-frills closer. He throws a hard, flat fastball that averaged 97 MPH in his last full season, making the ball get on hitters even quicker.
The one knock on the pitch is that when it is hit, hitters have managed to do some damage. Outside of the fastball, Hendriks throws a slider and a curveball.
Hendriks hasn't pitched in two seasons, though, due to cancer treatment and Tommy John surgery, which raises concerns about his current ability.
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