The two relievers that continuously seem to pop up in trade rumors are David Robertson and Nate Jones. Washington has been especially been keen on taking Robertson off of the White Sox hands, and it was reported earlier this week that Nationals scouts would be in Chicago to see him close if he were to get an opportunity.
.@MLBBruceLevine says one of the #Nationals' top scouts will be in Chicago to watch David Robertson. Expects a deal to come soon. #WhiteSox
— Hit and Run (@HitAndRun670) May 7, 2017
Jones would be the White Sox closer by default, although he could easily be flipped as well if a trade partner surfaces before the deadline, and with 27-year-old Tommy Kahnle also dealing and Zack Burdi waiting in the wings, the White Sox bullpen is deep.
However, there is one particular reliever on the team who by now fans should be familiar with. His career has been very average thus far, but as of now, he’s literally as perfect as one can be. His name is Anthony Swarzak.
What Swarzak has done so far this season is nothing short of incredible. Listen to these numbers: Career-wise, Swarzak has a 4.39 ERA, 1.344 WHIP, and a 3.2 WAR. This year? Well, he currently has a 0.00 ERA, 0.273 WHIP, and a 0.9 WAR. The most impressive of those numbers by far is his WAR. It took him 8 (!) seasons to record a 3.2 WAR and he already has close to a third of that in 12 games. Insanity. So, what led to this revolution eight seasons in? Well, pitching coach Don Cooper is probably a big reason why, but other than that, Swarzak has just been more aggressive and trusting his stuff.
Back in Spring Training, he said that he usually “saves his bullets” over the duration of a long season. Not anymore. That is why his fastball velocity is up from 93 mph last year to 96 mph this year. Pair that with a solid sinking changeup, a rather devastating slider, and ideal control, (17/1 K/BB ratio) and you can see why he has been so lights out. In fact, the only other pitchers with a 0.00 ERA are Andrew Miller, and Wade Davis. Two pretty decent relievers I’d say.
There is no guarantee if this is the new and improved Anthony Swarzak or just a prolonged hot streak. But if he can keep this up, Rick Hahn is going to need a third hand to count all the potential assets this team truly has. For now though, let’s just be happy for Swarzak. He has been a joy to watch, and it is obvious that he is enjoying the ride.
