ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – At first glance, there appears to be a no-brainer. Hands down, it’s third baseman Junior Caminero who surfaces as the Most Valuable Player for a very productive Tampa Bay Rays.
In games through Sept. 24, the 23-year old out of Santo Domingo, DR remains atop of the American League leader board in home runs and RBIs. It was Caminero’s one-out blast in the bottom of the ninth and into the Tropicana Field left bleachers on Sept. 11 that sent the Rays into the post-season.
Dangerous with might and energy, Caminero emerged as the Rays’ signature for power and fury. Complemented by lead-off hitter Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, with a career-high 92 RBIs (in games through Sept. 24) and catcher Liam Hicks, acquired from Miami at the recent trade deadline, these four solidified manager Kevin Cash’s batting order.
While Caminero’s value to his team is strong, this may not be as vital as closer Bryan Baker.
When teams rise and qualify for October baseball, the closer is an imperative and indispensable figure. A conservative number of 42 to 46 saves from a closer is usually mandatory for team success. Without the closer constantly slamming the door, teams’ fortunes usually plummet.
In games through Sept. 24, Baker’s 40 saves were second to Cade Smith of Cleveland, who recorded 41 saves. This number can be misleading because Cash rarely used Baker after the Rays moved into the post-season on Sept. 11. Conversely, Smith continued to help boost Cleveland’s chances into the post-season and the Guardians clinched a spot on Sept. 24.
Baker gained his 40th save on Sept 12 but his value cannot be understated. Plus, Baker’s easy-going personality made a natural fit for players who constantly tell reporters the Tampa Bay clubhouse is characterized by respect.
“The attitude of our cub is the same it’s been all season, and in a good way,” Baker said in late September, “We’re not too overcome with the moment and we’re in good spot. I like where everybody is at right now.”
The ability to shut teams down and slam the door from Baker is a rather unique experience. Calm, humorous and taciturn when softly speaking with reporters in the clubhouse, Baker seems to rip off the Rays’ sunburst from his uniform and invoke sheer energy. Emotion follows with veins popping and fists waving. Baker appears to tell his audience the job is not quite complete. Don’t worry, he seems to say, there’s more.
In doing the math, consider Baker with half the saves.
Given a few saves advantage on either side, let’s argue the native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. recorded 25 saves. That could reduce the Rays’ win total dramatically. With 96 victories in games through Sept. 24, a potential win total could then be around 70 to 75 victories. That would put the Rays in last place in their division and arranging tee times.
Instead, October baseball is on the horizon and Baker’s production stands between an extended season and continued misery.
“When it comes down to it, you want to face the best,” Baker said. “Being prepared to go to work at any part of the line-up is huge, I take a great deal of pride in that versatility. I feel good about getting just about anybody out in the order right now.”
In comparison to MVP-potential seasons, there are differences. Baker tends to be reliable and constant. Caminero is inclined to be streaky and unpredictable.
While Caminero’ value is without question, he could be vulnerable in critical post-season situations. One way opposing pitchers can limit Caminero’s ability to inflict damage is to approach this power hitter with breaking pitches down and away. Caminero has a tendency to chase such pitches. For his production level in the post-season to be reliable, he needs to show greater discipline at the plate.
Though Caminero will receive serious consideration from writers related to the AL MVP award, a team designation can best be awarded to Baker. Without his ability to close out teams, the Rays would not likely be in their current position.