Jose Valverde - Fantasy News & Updates
Jose Valverde - Fantasy News & Updates
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Valverde is coming off a season in which he went 25-for-29 in save opportunities and posted a 2.33 ERA, the second-lowest mark of his career. He told MLB.com in September he was going to test the free-agent market after making $8 million in 2009. "The Astros have communicated to Jose their desire to bring him back," Mato wrote in an email to MLB.com "He really enjoyed his time there and is open to the idea of returning. With that said, he is intrigued with the whole free agency process and the interest that is being generated."
Considering Houston's payroll is going to shrink next year, the Astros are mulling alternatives at the back of the bullpen. "Whether being able to retain Valverde or do something in free agency or make a trade or take a younger guy and try to push him to the back end of the bullpen, we have to be open-minded," Wade said. Valverde is one of several big-name closers on the market, a list that includes Fernando Rodney, Kevin Gregg and Billy Wagner. "There's a lot of fluidity on the market," Wade said. "There could be some other guys become available depending on their arbitration status."
Valverde missed a good chunk of the first half due to a strained calf muscle, which explains the relatively low saves total. His numbers were otherwise strong, however, and with several productive seasons as a full-time closer under his belt, the hard-throwing righty could be in line for a nice payday as one of the top free agents this offseason.
Valverde hasn't had as many save opportunities as owners would've liked due to injury issues and the Astros' underwhelming performance, but he has pitched very, very well when given the chance. After allowing runs in his previous two outings, he seemed to right the ship nicely in this one.
If there is a save situation Friday night in Milwaukee when the Astros begin a three-game set with the Brewers, expect Valverde, who has not pitched since Sept. 12 after being hit by his recent illness, to be back out there with the ball in his hand.
General manager Ed Wade said Valverde has been cleared to fly and hopes to have him join the team in time for Wednesday's game.
Valverde was kept sequestered in the clubhouse on Sunday in Houston after coming down with a 101-degree fever. "They're treating him, and he has some type of virus," Astros GM Ed Wade said. "Hopefully it will run its course and he will be able to get here [Tuesday]." Valverde has not allowed a run in 17 innings over his past 15 outings, the longest active streak in the National League and tied for the second-longest in the Major Leagues. He has a 1.13 ERA with 21 saves and four wins in 38 appearances since coming off the 15-day disabled list June 13.
Late-season surges are nothing new for Valverde, who put together an electric 0.76 ERA over the final two months of the 2008 season. Things have gone down a similarly smooth road for the Astros closer this summer, as he sports an 0.69 ERA since the All-Star break.
Valverde's latest spotless inning lowered his ERA to a fine 1.96, and ran his scoreless streak to 15 innings. His ERA has gone from 2.81 to 1.96 during that stretch, and he has struck out 16 while allowing just 15 batters to reach base during that tear. The Astros haven't given him that many opportunities -- and a midseason injury didn't help -- but Valverde has been remarkably dependable at wrapping up what opportunities the team has given him.
Just another day on the job for Valverde, who cashed in his 15th straight save chance and extended his scoreless innings streak to 14 innings, a span of 13 appearances. Overall, the veteran fireman is 21-for-25 in converted save opportunities and sports a nasty 2.00 ERA.
Valverde missed about six weeks of the season due to injury, but he’s been mostly lights out on the hill. The Astros fireman has firmly established himself among the game's Top 10 firemen, and there's little reason to expect a drop-off any time soon.
Valverde has drawn a penchant in August for letting runners reach base. In 11 2/3 frames, the closer has given up 11 hits and issued four walks, although only two of those baserunners ended up reaching home plate.
Valverde had to work for this one, as he came on to close out the Fish after starter Wandy Rodriguez gave put the first two runners on without recording an out. After giving up at least one base knock in seven of his last outings, Valverde has held batters hitless and has fanned four over his last two frames.
Valverde has been excellent during July and August, converting all 11 of his save opportunities and striking out 20 in 20 2/3 innings. He has allowed 27 baserunners during that stretch, but all in all, Valverde has pitched quite well. His value would obviously take a hit were the Astros to deal the well-compensated closer to a team in which he'd be forced to set-up, but for now he remains a solid and dependable mid-tier fantasy closer.
Valverde has been awfully hittable of late, giving up at least two knocks in more than half of his last seven trips to the mound, but he's found a way to wriggle out of trouble, as he's locked down all 10 of his most recent opportunities.
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