PT TOMORROW: AL Central—How secure is Axford’s status as closer?
Apr 22 2014
John Axford (RHP, CLE) had six saves in his first seven chances, but the numbers behind his performance raise a red flag. In his first 8 IP his xERA was 5.39. He had a 1.3 Cmd resulting from a K:BB ratio of 9:7. His BPV was -22. Eight innings is a small sample size, but major league managers make decisions about closers on small sample sizes. Axford lost his job last April with the Brewers and his underlying BPIs were actually better than they have been so far this year. The Indians have a strong alternative to Axford in Cody Allen (RHP, CLE). Allen has posted a 146 BPV in his first 8 IP (10 appearances) on the strength of a 12:4 K:BB ratio. This is no fluke. Last year Allen put up a 121 BPV for the season. He had an...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
Ben Williamson is currently the projected third baseman for the Mariners, but a shakeup may be needed.
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Chicago signed Bregman to a 5-year/$175 million deal, how does it impact their roster?
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Coby Mayo (pictured) and Ryan Mountcastle have been squeezed from regular reps in BAL, while Triston Casas is in a similar spot in BOS; plus, more offseason fallout from the AL East.
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
At the moment, Grant Taylor and Jordan Leasure would seem to have the inside track to Southside saves. Plus other post-Winter Meetings notes from around the AL Central.
Dec 19 2025 3:04am
Dec 19 2025 3:04am
Keller? Kittredge? It's all about the K's in the late innings in Chicago.
Sep 13 2025 3:06am
Sep 13 2025 3:06am
