Around AL Central: Holland best, Ryan’s illness, Indians low blow & White Sox youth problem

Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals

Could the best closer not only in the division, but in all of baseball reside in Kansas City? One blogger seems to think so. 

"With Mariano Rivera bowing out of the game of baseball last fall, the Kansas City Royals might just have the best closer in the American League on their roster. Sure, Greg Holland isn’t exactly a household name, but his statistics combined with an extremely lively arm both have earned him at least a spot in the conversation of MLB’s best closer. – Devin O’Barr, Rant Sports"

Perhaps we should temper the Rivera comparisons. I understand that Mo’s exit from baseball leaves the door wide open for discussion on who is baseball’s best closer, and everyone probably feels their team has that, but we should hold off on that comparison just yet.

With that said, Holland certainly can be in the discussion for best closer. He jumped from 16 to 47 saves last season (converting 47 of 50 opportunities) and dropped his era to 1.21. The Royals could not come to terms with the 28-year-old right-hander before arbitration and were forced to pay him $4.6 million (KC offered $4.1 million, Holland countered at $5.2). Despite being eligible for arbitration again next year, Holland is under Royals’ control through the 2016 season.

This season will go a long way to determining if Holland is the real deal.

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