To put it very lightly, the San Francisco Giants had problems closing out games in the 9th inning during the 2016 season. The Orange and Black lead the majors with 30 blown saves last summer.
Enter Mark Melancon.
On Monday the Giants and Melancon agreed to a 4-year, $62 million deal with the former Nationals closer. The deal makes him the most expensive relief pitcher in the history of the sport.
Melancon, born in Golden, Colorado, started his career in 2009 with the Yankees. He found most of his success with the Pirates, where he played from 2013-15, compiling 100 saves and 203 strikeouts in 218.2 innings pitched.
“You get a guy in the 9th inning who’s estabilshed. Who’s doing it,” Larry Krueger said.
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“He’s got great command. He throws a lot of downward pitches in the zone. So get ready for Buster Posey to have to block some balls in the dirt.”
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