Miami Marlins Season Review: Bullpen Grades (3 Of 3)

As we finish with our Miami Marlins position-by-position season review, we didn’t necessarily save our best for last, (pun intended) but we did want to finish with the Marlins closer, Steve Cishek. Cishek entered 2013 as the incumbent closer, eclipsing Heath Bell for the job midway through the 2012 season. After watching Bell attempt to close games for the Marlins last year, almost anyone would have been an upgrade this year. Thankfully, Cishek wasn’t just an upgrade, he was an above average closer for the entire league.

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Cishek:

Cishek finished 2013 with an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 1.077. He converted 34 saves in 36 opportunities, good for 6th in the National League. Not bad for a team that finished with the fewest number of wins in the N.L.. He posted a WAR of 2.1 and was as solid as one could possibly hope for out of a young closer.

Cishek’s side-arm delivery and frisbee style slider were especially devastating to right-handed hitters as they only hit .185 against him on the season. He posted a K/9 rate of 9.6, definitely solid. As a matter of fact, most of his statistics confirmed the solid season that we all watched. Miami was saddled with constant turmoil in many positions throughout the year, and it was refreshing to not have to worry about the closer position.

The season was so good for Cishek, that many people tabbed him as a potential trade chip midway through the season. It was a surprise to many of us that Cishek remained on the team through the trade deadline. With many question marks heading into 2014, closer is not one of them.

GRADE: A

Pitching as a whole, was one of the strong points for the Marlins on the season. The bullpen was no exception. We can point to a lot of reasons why the Marlins lost 100 games this year, but bullpen play was not one of them. If Miami can get some increased production out of their bats, they could gain some respectability next year. Let’s hope that the strong bullpen play continues.

OVERALL: B+

That concludes our season review of the Miami Marlins, but don’t worry, here at Marlin Maniac we still have great content that is coming your way. Keep it here for all your Miami Marlins news and content. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below and until then,

Here’s to 2014!