J.J. Putz, CL, Seattle Mariners

July 26, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

The Mariners knew former relief pitcher "Everyday" Eddie Guardado was not the long-term answer at closer, partially because they had high hopes for former University of Michigan pitcher J.J. Putz at the position. Putz made his first appearance with the Mariners in 2003, but it wasn't until 2004 when he made his first impact with the Mariners and in 63.0 innings pitched he gave up 66 hits, 33 earned runs and had 47 strikeouts. He also posted nine saves that season. 2005 was when many expected him to really move into his role as the team's closer, but he failed to displace Guardado despite only giving up 24 earned runs in 60 innings pitched while striking out 45. Putz was still not getting many save opportunities because Guardado continued to be solid as a closer. He did rack up 21 holds, however, signifying the potential he had.

It has been this year that Putz has really come into his own. As mentioned above, Guardado stumbled out of the gate to begin the season and Putz seized on the opportunity given to him. Entering games Tuesday, July 25, Putz has pitched 47.1 innings, giving up just 13 runs while striking out 63. Part of this comes because he has been able to limit the damage done by the longball. In 2003 he gave up 10, and this season he has given up just two in 13 less innings.

One worrying stat might be the three blown saves Putz has had in the last couple weeks. In a game against the Boston Red Sox, Putz gave up a home run to Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, although this came after he struck out outfielder Manny Ramirez and designated hitter David Ortiz. The other two saves came when he was victim of a bad call and the other when he came into a save opportunity and gave up a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded (which he was not responsible for). 

What he brings to the table

Putz has an overpowering fastball that has been clocked at 97 mph, but which is more regularly thrown between 95 and 96. His next two pitches are either a nasty splitter or a slider (the pitch Varitek hit out for a home run). Currently this season, Putz has converted 19 saves in 23 opportunities, and we at KFFL project him to reach 32 saves by the end of the season. The rest of his line is projected as this:

Table: J.J. Putz, CL, Seattle Mariners: Projections for 2006

Innings pitched	Wins	ERA	Strikeouts	WHIP	Saves
81	4	2.78	98	1.03	32

Those numbers right there would signify a solid season, and at a young age he should only get better. Prior to games Tuesday, July 25, Putz ranked 18th in the league in saves, one below such names as New York Mets closer Billy Wagner, Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan or Oakland Athletics closer Huston Street. If you factor the amount of time he missed early in the season, he would be right up among the league leaders in saves.

One thing working against him though, is the Mariners upcoming schedule. The team will conclude a series with the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, July 26, before facing the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Oakland Athletics all in the next month. Those are all teams that are pushing for playoff spots. As well, with so many games against their own division over the rest of the season, they have not fared well against their rivals with a 10-18 record so far this season.

Despite the tough schedule, Putz still figures to be a solid player for your fantasy team, especially in keeper leagues, where his young age makes him that much more valuable.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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