Sleeper: RP Sean Doolittle, Oakland Athletics
By Bill Pivetz
Sep 26, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The closer position is filled with a lot of good players. You have your superstars and you have your upstarts. If you miss out on one of the top closers, don’t worry, there are plenty of pitchers to draft later on. One of those closers is Oakland Athletics closer Sean Doolittle.
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At the start of the 2014 season, the A’s had Jim Johnson as the closer. After he was removed from the role, management went with a committee approach. Doolittle made the most of the opportunity and claimed the closer job. In 61 games, he posted a 2.73 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with 89 strikeouts. When he does get on the mound, Doolittle is one of the best. He had a 12.8 K/9 and 1.1 BB/9 rates last season.
On the downside, the A’s didn’t provide Doolittle with many save opportunities. He did convert 22 of his 26 save chances. I chalk it up to not being the closer all year than I do blaming it on the team. If he was the closer for the whole season, I can see Doolittle recording 30-35 saves.
Doolittle was set to be the closer entering the 2015 season, but a torn left rotator cuff will push back his 2015 debut. As a result, Doolittle will fall far in drafts. While there is no timetable for his return, drafting a top-15 closer late is something to consider. According to NFBC, Doolittle has an ADP of 156.50, or the 16th round, making him a nice sleeper option.
There is potential to be a top-10 closer, but the late start will push him down into RP2 category. If you can draft a closer or two earlier, then taking Doolittle in the 16th or 17th round will solidify your closer position and help you throughout the season.