By Darryn Albert
Holding a 2-1 series lead and up 6-2 on the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning of a closeout Game 4 of the 2015 ALDS, the Houston Astros needed just six outs to advance to the ALCS. Instead, they watched their bullpen quartet of Will Harris, Tony Sipp, Luke Gregerson, and Josh Fields totally implode, allowing seven runs on six hits and three walks in the final two frames as Kansas City rallied to win 9-6.
The eventual World Series champion Royals would take the decisive Game 5 as well, leaving the Astros to wonder what might have been had they simply had competent relief pitching. General manager Jeff Luhnow apparently does not care to wonder anymore.
According to a report by Jayson Stark of ESPN on Saturday, the team is “hell-bent” on acquiring a closer this offseason and went on to mention a laundry list of potential targets, including flamethrower Aroldis Chapman of the Reds, Andrew Miller of the Yankees, Ken Giles of the Phillies, and Brad Boxberger of the Rays.
Houston’s relievers weren’t terrible last year and actually ranked sixth in the MLB in bullpen ERA during the regular season (3.27). For his part, Gregerson did an admirable job as the de facto ninth inning man, picking up 31 saves in 37 opportunities. But Gregerson is a low-strikeout closer that doesn’t nearly fit the billing of a lights-out door-slammer, and that could be what Luhnow is coveting.
For an up-and-coming Astros team that surprised many with a playoff berth this season, it looks like they may only be a piece or two away from serious contention. Perhaps that dominant closer is just that piece.
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