RADIO
Hector Neris A Good Late Round Pickup
7 years agoAfter a promising 2016 season, Hector Neris entered the 2017 season still as a dark horse for the closing gig with the Philadelphia Phillies, but the job still belonged to Jeanmar Gomez. Gomez’s struggles from the end of 2016 persisted into 2017, however, and the job became open for Neris and veteran Joaquin Benoit to compete for. Eventually Neris won out, but saw his share of struggles in the role. During the first half of the season, the 28-year-old blew three saves, but found his groove as the season progressed. In the second half of the season, he converted each of his 19 save opportunities, striking out 35 batters in 36 innings and posting a 2.48 ERA. While last season Neris was available at more convenient rounds, his terrific close to the 2017 season will mean an earlier exit from drafts. Still, take into consideration the team he plays for and how many wins the Phillies are likely to win. Neris will work best as a second closer option and should be drafted as such, in the late rounds.
