Miami Marlins: Comparing Back End of Bullpen to Yankees

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Jul 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher A.J. Ramos (44) and catcher J.T. Realmuto (20) celebrate the final out of the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Miami won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

In a lost season for the Marlins, only a few bright spots have been seen. A national audience has recognized the play of Jose Fernandez, Giancarlo Stanton, and Dee Gordon.

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However, not often mentioned in that conversation are a pair of lockdown relievers for Miami, Carter Capps and A.J. Ramos. It’s been a rough year for the Marlins bullpen, but it appears the Fish have found some go-to’s in the ‘pen come the later innings.

The bullpen was a disaster to begin of 2015. Steve Cishek, who was once a reliable closer for Miami, blew four saves by May 11th, notching only three saves prior to then. The Marlins experimented with late relievers, and found that the Capps/Ramos combo would prove to be the best option.

They were right. A.J. Ramos and Carter Capps have shown their worth to the Marlins. What has been a weakness all year is gradually becoming a sight to see for Marlins fans and baseball fans everywhere. Let’s compare them to the best back end of the ‘pen the game has to offer, the New York Yankees’ Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.

May 31, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Carter Capps (22) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. New York Mets won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Standout Late Reliever

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Capps and Betances stand eerily similar in comparison. They both have an appearance which sets them apart. Carter Capps possesses a funky delivery and Dellin Betances, at 6’8/265, looks like he belongs on a football field. Each pitcher works a two pitch arsenal, including a high 90’s fastball that blows hitters away and a nasty low to mid-80’s curve.

Statistics-wise, both Dellin Betances and Carter Capps pose as elite strikeout pitchers. Capps ranks first among MLB pitchers in K/9, with Betances shortly behind at third. Betances has a larger sample size, and is already proven, while Capps owns a lower ERA and FIP. Arguably the two best young relievers in the game, Betances and Capps prove to be must watch baseball.

Jun 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher A.J. Ramos (44) celebrates after defeating the Chicago Cubs 5-2 at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Shutdown Closer

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A.J. Ramos impressed me incredibly last night. With the bases loaded and zero outs, he struck out Paul Goldschmidt (.341), A.J. Pollock (.303), and Yasmany Tomas (.301) in order to close out the Marlins second win in as many days.

While Ramos and Miller aren’t similar when it comes to stature, both utilize a mid-90’s fastball and mid-80’s slider. Ramos adds a change, cutter, curve, and sinker to his arsenal.

A.J. Ramos holds a lower ERA and FIP, but Andrew Miller proves to be more explosive, with a substantially higher K/9. The save statistic, in this case, can be attributed to the success of each team. Either way, Ramos and Miller feature similar pitches, like Betances and Capps, and prove to be two of the most efficient closers in the game.

Next: Jennings, D-Backs Show How Baseball is Dumb Sometimes

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