San Francisco Giants: Alternatives to the Free Agent Closers

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Aug 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Alternative Option No. 2: Sign Greg Holland and Promote/Groom Law

Greg Holland was one of the elite closers in all of baseball from 2013-2015. His elbow issues and ensuing Tommy John surgery allowed Wade Davis to take over that role. Now he has elbow issues. Sad! However, with Holland making his comeback after surgery, the Giants should be interested and intrigued. They already took a gamble on three time TJ Surgery recipient, Josh Johnson. Now Greg Holland would just add to the elbow rehabilitation club that the Giants are hosting this spring training.

Sarcasm aside, the Giants have done really well with rehabilitating, and managing guys with elbow issues. Holland may not have the stuff he used to have. He may not be able to be a closer anymore. However, he could be a valuable asset to the bullpen, especially with the two good young arms in there. Maybe a little bit of his influence could help Hunter Strickland learn to pitch with velocity, and save his arm a bit. His experience in the closer role could help groom Law for the job. You throw him into the pen as a setup man, and have Law close, or vice versa, the Giants pen would definitely be upgraded. However, that depends on how effective he can be in his return. That’s one reason why this alternative option isn’t the greatest.

Regardless of what happens with the top three closers, the Giants would be smart to give Holland a chance if the price is right. When healthy, a cheap contract on him plus a “big three” guy would strengthen the Giants pen ten-fold. Next Option?