Jonathan Broxton: Cincinnati Reds' closer-in-the-making
Cincinnati Reds are for long in the hot pursuit of the World Series title. The last time they clinched it was in 1990. Since then, with the increasingly toughening competition in the National League Central and the National League as a whole, this has remained
more of a thoroughly demanding, if not an impossible task.
Although they have won the National League Division titles thrice – 1995, 2010 and 2012, there is a lot that they need to do to accomplish the goal. This past season, they seemed ever closer to realize this dream – but things did not quite go their way and
they were eventually eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series.
Be that as it may, there have been noticeable improvements that the Reds have made throughout these years. One of the key features of the Reds in 2012 was the bullpen – stronger and solid which was intimidating for other teams in the league.
While valuable additions like that of Aroldis Chapman, Sean Marshall and others are always welcome, the Reds have brought the powerful Jonathan Broxton as well; who, as a setup man, made his presence felt with quality pitching.
He was brought in the Reds after the July 31 MLB non-waiver Trade Deadline. The trade saw minor league pitchers JC Sulbaran and Donnie Joseph go to Kansas City Royals, and Broxton being brought in the Reds.
When he was with the Kansas City Royals, the pitcher posted 2.05 ERA – with 20 saves in 23 opportunities, commanding enormous attention. And it was – like said earlier, the Reds who deemed it a rewarding move to trade him.
As the season concluded, Broxton had 27 saves to his credit, posting 2.48 in 60 appearances, pitching 58 innings.
While the Reds had a triumphant march in 2012, those who regular contributed to bullpen were to be secured so as to build on this success. It was this calculation and consideration that prompted the Reds to sign the player for three years, in a contract
that was worth $21 million.
With a rather improved rotation which has starters like Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Mat Latos, the Reds have provided depth to pitching that will go a long way to determine their success in the years to come.
As Jonathan Broxton is part of the Reds now, there are questions about his potential role in 2013 Major League Baseball. Under discussion is the plan to make him the Reds’ closer while Chapman be brought to the rotation.
But the Reds are not forthcoming about it for now. Adding an element of surprise to it – coupled with seeing the preparedness of the pitchers, the Reds want to see how things work during the offseason, especially the Spring Training.
"Nothing's in stone right now," assistant general manager Bob Miller said. "We told (Chapman) before he left to prepare because that's the hardest part -- starter. When we talked to Jonathan we said he was going to be at the back end of the bullpen. What
happens depends on spring training and how things play out in the offseason."
All that will obviously be seen in the days to come. But with 3.10 ERA, the Broxton is now a regular fixture of the Reds, bracing himself for a considerably big role of the closer.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com
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