Phillies: Closer in name only

Unforgettable: 

Most firemen don’t routinely reel off 1-2-3 innings for a save. While a top-tier arm converts 90 percent with minimal stress, some closers have that percentage with many adventures. But remember, Brad Lidge also had some of those in 2008.

Barring the rare campaign without a blown save, all ninth-frame masters have a dud every ten contests, and some happen at the worse time. As for Hector Neris, he has blown six opportunities for 2017 and 2018 out of 41 chances: 85.4 percent. However, he has converted 28 of 31 for 90.3 percent after the first half of ’17.

Neris had three blowups out of those six, and those are the only outings most locals will never forget. But if Neris comes into a save situation, they anticipate that outcome. Human nature bests logic!

Despite having a competitive club near first place on May 27, Neris can frequently be a topic of discussion. But his closer status is secondary. Because if Seranthony Dominguez stops a rally in the seventh or retires the tough outs in the eighth, he’s preserving the victory.

However, Neris getting credit for the save could upset some fans. Does he owe you an unpaid debt for those three clunkers? Yes or no?

The Phillies’ approach to pen management is having Dominguez quiet the opposition. As for a name, he could be a shark, a dealer, a saver; a save specialist or a stopper. Ergo, he doesn’t get a save or a hold. So whatever you call him, he earns a stop.