7 years agoAfter a spectacular job as lock-down setup man for the Padres, Brad Hand received a deserved promotion to closer late in 2017. For the full season, Hand posted an excellent 2.16 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 21 Saves and 16 Holds while committing only five Blown Saves. Despite using primarily two pitches (Fastball and Slider), the southpaw posted career-best 11.80 K:9 and 5.20 K:BB ratios. Entering 2018, Hand is the undisputed closer for a San Diego squad expected to improve as a team. His numbers since becoming a full-time reliever in 2016 show little signs of negative regression. His .190 BAA and .263 BABIP were inline year-over-year and bulls can argue the remarkable 89.2% LOB% is supported by the 33.4% K-ratio and the aforementioned utilization of only his two top pitches. The risk with Hand predominantly rests on whether he becomes a trade deadline mover. Hand’s contract and performance make him a highly attractive target but it’s debatable whether Padres front office will lower their über-high asking price from last year. If he stays a Padre or becomes a closer elsewhere, Hand could provide a lucrative return based on his current 111 ADP and RP13 ranking. For 2018, it’s reasonable to expect an ERA close to his 2017 xFIP of 2.90, WHIP around 1.00, at least a strikeout per inning and a push for over 30 saves.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller