· by jtabrys.bsky.social ·19h ago · view on bsky.app ↗

The Ego Death And Rebirth Of Kodai Senga (baseballweirdness.substack.com)

Overreacting to the early returns on the Kodai Senga high-leverage reliever experiment.

The closer Senga experiment is working... kinda. Still trying to force the sweeper. #LGM baseballweirdness.substack.com/p/the-ego-de...

#lgm

1 comments — live from bluesky

CoachN · 1 · 5h ago

I’d argue the #GhostCloser *experiment* is working very well. He’s primarily fast/fork as we’d expect, and he’s trying to see how his other pitches fit into the role. Throwing more of those “get me over” forks for strikes to set up the Ghost. His K to end the game was a textbook example. #MetsSky

David Sheridan · 0 · 5h ago

Plus his closer role is very likely limited to Williams’ time on the IL. Giving him a 7th/8th inning role might be even better.

CoachN · 0 · 5h ago

That may be what they do, but I’d totally disagree with that move. Senga should finish out the season in the closer role. He’s got better stuff than Williams at this point, and while Williams’ value is set, a strong #GhostCloser finish would significantly increase Kodai’s trade value. #MetsSky

David Sheridan · 0 · 5h ago

I suspect what they’re paying Williams through 2028 means he’s going to be the closer as long as he’s healthy and doesn’t flat out implode. He hasn’t been great, but I don’t think he’s been lose-the-job bad.

CoachN · 0 · 5h ago

Williams was signed to be the setup man for Sugar, and then moved to the closer role when we lost him. Again, it’s not about this year. Maybe Williams is our closer next year, because suddenly Senga’s 1/15 for a potential elite closer becomes a key piece of a trade. Give me #GhostCloser #MetsSky

A Jason Tabrys · 1 · 4h ago

I think closers are typically fragile head cases, so if you pull Devin from closing it's gonna be hard to walk that back if the replacement implodes. Senga could definitely implode. I want to see him rebound quick from a bad outing. What does that situation look like?

A Jason Tabrys · 0 · 4h ago

I don't assume Senga is being showcased as a tradeable asset. I think this is about building the 2027 bullpen that is going to need 4-5 mid to high leverage guys on top of Williams. 15M isn't far off for a top 8th inning guy. Maybe Nunez works his way into the circle of trust...

A Jason Tabrys · 1 · 4h ago

but you're still going to have to go shopping. Why trade away something you need if Senga is potent in the 8th and 9th. I don't think he needs to close to ace the audition but this time is an eye opener. Or will be after another 7-8 reps.

David Sheridan · 0 · 3h ago

I suspect the 2027 Opening Day bullpen is less than half built right now. The deadline moves have forced their hand there.

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