Reviewing the Brew Round-table: Jim Henderson’s future

The Milwaukee Brewers are no strangers to seeing a guy in a certain role eventually fizzle out. In the bullpen, the Brewers will get to see a complete (hopefully) season out of Jim Henderson and how he’ll perform as the go-to guy.

With that said, here’s this week’s question:  “In 2014,do you think Jim Henderson continue to do well in the ninth, or should there be a new new closer?”

Can Jim Henderson give the Brewers a repeat, or even better season in 2014? Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Connor:

“I don’t think Henderson is a dominant relief pitcher. However, as of right now he appears to be the best option for the “closer” position. I’m generally against having a “closer” and prefer a “relief ace” type and Henderson is the top relief option the Brewers have. If Henderson falters, Kintzler should probably be the closer. Henderson has earned the right to go into next year as the Brewers’ closer.”

David Grant:

“Since I am a Reviewing the Brew round-table virgin I consider myself lucky this week was a softball question. Jim Henderson begins 2014 as the closer. In 2013 Henderson stepped in for high blood pressure inducer John Axford, converting 88 percent on save opportunities (28 out of 32). Despite giving up eight home runs, he finished with a 3 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio and held opposing hitters to a .200 average. Have the Brewers found their closer for the next five years, or will Henderson meltdown, spike my blood pressure, and be out of baseball in two years? Who knows? (Note: My crystal ball is at the shop this week.)  Most closers are here today and gone tomorrow.  Also, teams are realizing the risk of spending their money on a closer; this is especially true of the Brewers today. The Brewers have several issues to address this off season, but who will be closing the ninth is not one of them, at least not today. Check back with me tomorrow.”

Justin Schultz:

“I don’t believe Jim Henderson will finish the 2014 season as the Milwaukee Brewers closer. He began to falter a bit last year and I fear that will continue next season. In 2013, his K/9 went down and his BB/9 rose along with the number of home runs he allowed. He began to remind me of John Axford – and not the good John Axford. There’s a reason Henderson spent so many years in the minor leagues. Obviously, I hope I’m wrong because I don’t see anyone else on the Brewers capable of being the closer right now.”

Benjamin Orr:

“I’d like to have faith in Henderson to become the closer for the next couple years in Milwaukee, but Justin points out some very reasonable concerns. Much like his predecessor in Axford (and well even to some degree Francisco Rodriguez),  Henderson ran into some troubles this past year and hopefully it’s something he will be able to work on in the off-season. If Henderson becomes what Axford did, then yes, I believe Kintzler would get the call in the ninth inning. Henderson is a dependable guy and aside from a few cardiac intensive innings, I have faith he’ll be the closer after next season.”

Well that’s what we had to say, how about you? Let us know what you think in the comments below!