ARLINGTON – Long before he was the best manager the Rangers ever hired, Bruce Bochy developed a reputation as a guy who knew his way around a bullpen. Famous for his quick hook. New rules don’t allow for as much tinkering these days, not that he still doesn’t try occasionally.
Like the Rangers’ new co-closer arrangement.
Will Smith and Aroldis Chapman.
Or Chappie and Smitty, if you prefer.
Cleveland found out it didn’t matter what you called the Rangers’ closer over the weekend after they rallied for a 6-5 win Sunday to complete a sweep before 33,957 at the Globe.
First Chapman comes out of the bullpen Saturday to blow away the Guardians in the ninth, then Smith comes back Sunday for his 16th save after the Rangers had come from behind with four runs in the bottom of the eighth.
The back-to-back saves were the club’s first this year by a different pair of closers, which might become a thing from here on out.
If you think this will take some getting used to, know that it’s new for Bochy, too. Like just about any manager with a broken bullpen, he’s tried a closer-by-committee before, but never with candidates as accomplished as these two. Smith was an All-Star closer for Bochy in 2019 in San Francisco. Chapman is a seven-time All-Star.
Even though he’s been effective as a closer this season, Smith knew the Rangers needed more back-end help. For that matter, they still do. The problems started when José Leclerc and Jonathan Hernandez failed in high-leverage situations. Leclerc has been better lately; Bochy said Hernandez may be close to working his way back to Arlington as long as he starts throwing more strikes at Round Rock. But neither appears to be a candidate for the moments that elevate your blood pressure.
Josh Sborz did a nice job before the workload caught up with him and he went on the IL. He was the Rangers’ only other reliever with the kind of wipe-out stuff you normally expect from a playoff-caliber bullpen.
Going into Sunday’s game, the bullpen’s 4.44 ERA was the fourth-highest in the league. No doubt your lack of confidence wasn’t alleviated Sunday when Cody Bradford gave up a two-run homer in the eighth after throwing two shutout innings. Same ol’, same ol’, right? Next thing you knew, the Rangers pulled off their second late rally in three games and two different closers held up two days in a row.
For the record, the bullpen has always been a bigger issue than any occasional hiccups with the lineup.
“You know, we have struggled a little bit this year,” Smith said, “but it’s a bunch of young guys out there for the first or second time. I think we’ll be fine. I mean, you kind of have to get those growing pains. You’re gonna have to get your ass kicked every now and then.”
Seems like we could all use it a little less, Will, but your point is taken.
The question now: How much has Chapman changed the dynamic?
“I mean, it’s huge,” Smith said. “Look at his resume. He’s got over 300 saves and he throws a billion miles an hour. He’s an intimidating figure out there.
“So, yeah, I think it makes our bullpen better.”
What makes it even more unconventional is that both are lefties. Not like you’re getting a different matchup with either.
Chapman and Smith are also at similar stages of their career arcs. Both were good as recently as two years ago. Chapman had 30 saves for the Yankees in 2021 before it all went south in an ugly ending. Smith posted 37 saves for the ‘21 Braves.
All things considered, this co-closer deal is probably the best arrangement for them as well as the Rangers. But logic doesn’t always result in compliance.
Once you’ve been a closer, and you’re good at it, it’s hard to get over the feeling. Harder for some egos than others. But Bochy knew what he was asking when he called Smith into his office recently and told him of his plans.
Smith assured him he was ready to do whatever was best for the Rangers, which is pretty much what the manager figured he’d say.
“I think as you get a little bit older,” Bochy said, “you understand what the game is about, which is that we’re hopefully trying to get to the postseason.”
No one understands that better than Bochy, who’s been to four World Series and won three. Smith said the manager knows how to deal with everyone, not just a bullpen. He lets players run the clubhouse. Hardly ever limps through. But he’s got an open door, and he shoots straight.
“I enjoy that old school trust-your-gut kind of style,” Smith said. “It’s fun.”
Another couple of pitchers before the trade deadline would be even more fun, Will, but, for now, this co-closer thing could grow on me.
Twitter: @KSherringtonDMN
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