Six Kansas City Royals Are Candidates For The 2014 All-Star Game

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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2) GREG HOLLAND – CLOSER

In 2013, Greg Holland had probably the best season ever by a Royals reliever. He had a miniscule ERA of 1.21, a WHIP of .866, and a franchise record 47 saves. His K/9 ratio was a phenomenal 13.8. There was little chance he could match those numbers this season.

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Well, he hasn’t. But he isn’t too darn far off either. His ERA is still fantastic at 1.99, his WHIP is still very good at 1.042. He actually has a BETTER K/9 this season at 13.9. He is on pace to maybe match his record-setting save total.

He has walked a few more, and given up a few more hits, but the biggest difference from last year is that he surrendered only three home runs all season in 2013, and he already has given up three in 2014.

His WAR is 1.1, ranked 10th among AL relievers, which is a bit odd. There is a chance that the pitcher Holland replaced as closer, Joakim Soria, could make the team from the Texas Rangers. His WAR is 1.5, though Holland’s numbers are better across the board.

Still, since the beginning of the 2013 season, Greg Holland has been the best closer in baseball. He is consistent, and for the most part, dominant. He leads the AL in saves, tied with Seattle’s Fernando Rodney, and should be a lock to make the All-Star team.

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