While Daniel Hudson is a very capable closer, at times he makes the ninth inning a roller coaster ride, reminiscent of another former Washington Nationals saves man.
Yes, Daniel Hudson collected four saves in the postseason last year and was on the mound to notch the final out in the World Series. Yes, Hudson won the closer’s role outright this year and has been one of the best options out of the bullpen for manager Davey Martinez. No, Hudson does not instill confidence in me every time he takes the mound with the lead.
Do you remember Mike McDougal? He was the closer on the 2009 Nationals team. I wouldn’t say he dominated in the role, but he did a decent enough job when he was out there.
On a team which had eight different players record a save, MacDougal led the team with twenty. The former All-Star closer with the Kansas City Royals was a bit of a reclamation project when he became the go-to-guy out of the bullpen in the ninth inning for the Nats.
In 50 innings that year, MacDougal had only 31 strikeouts. He also walked 31 hitters. Not really numbers you like from your closer. Every save opportunity was an adventure. He would end the year converting 20 or 21 save opportunities even though he finished with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.52.
To me, that is Daniel Hudson. The converted starter, who had just nine career saves in nine years heading into last season, seems to put runners on base more than he has one-two-three ninth innings.
He has five saves this year against two blown opportunities and more times than not he has put opposing runners on base. I love when he wiggles off the hook, though could do without the increased heart rate I get when watching his outings.
Hudson doesn’t walk as many as MacDougal. And
he does strike out a few more, though the sheer fact he crowds the bases before ultimately closing the door makes this comparison make sense.
I trust Daniel Hudson as my closer and have confidence in his abilities. I am sure to have my heart medication near when he takes the mound.