Broxton Named All Star, Proceeds To Blow Big Lead

Why is it closers not in a save situation just fall apart?

By KURT HELIN

Updated 2:15 PM PST, Mon, Jul 6, 2009

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Jonathon Broxton should be an All Star— he has 20 saves in 22 chances, a 6-0 record, an ERA of 2.72 and he has struck out 65 while walking just 16. The Dodger closer isn’t just good — he may be the best in baseball.

But what is it about closers not in a save situation? Why do they turn into Jell-O?

Just after getting told he will go to St. Louis for the big exhibition game — oh, wait, the game that could ultimately decide the World Series based on home field advantage — he went out in San Diego’s Petco Park and, well, they sell scoopers at Petco to pick up what he did.

After eight innings of work fellow Dodger All Star Chad Billingsley didn’t have the gas for the ninth and gave up a solo homer and a double to that Gwynn guy in San Diego (not that one, the other one). So Torre goes to his All Star closer.

And he gets two of the first three batters he faces out (but mixes in a walk). Then he proceeds to give up walks or hits to the next four guys who visit the plate. And suddenly the 6-2 lead he inherited was 6-6 and if Eliezer Alfonzo hadn’t slipped rounding third allowing him to be tagged out, it could have been worse.

No need to worry about Broxton, everybody has a bad outing now and then. But this is not some new trend — when a closer goes out in a non-save situation they lack the edge. Even Eric Gagne, when he was closing 55 games for the Dodgers (the season before he got nailed for steroid use according to the Mitchell Report, go figure), seemed to be pedestrian at best if it was not a save opportunity. Put him out to keep a game tied in the ninth and it felt risky; bring him in to protect a one-run lead and it was in the bank.

Think of that as just a word of advice to Charlie Manuel when he manages the All Stars. When you throw Broxton out there, make sure it is really go time. Unless you want the Red Sox to have home field advantage in October.