PHOTO: AP
Jeremy Horst came to the Phillies via the Wilson Valdez trade with Cincinnati, and wasn’t really expected to contribute all that much in 2012–but to the surprise of almost everyone, he ended up having an outstanding season for the Phils out of the bullpen.
He was down in the minors until June 28 when he and Brian Sanches were called up after Chad Qualls was designated for assignment and Joe Savery was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Even though he wasn’t with the big league club until the end of June, he tossed 31.1 innings, and posted a team-best ERA of just 1.15. And if you like advanced stats, he posted an FIP of 2.39 which was good for second on the team among relievers. He had a career-high strikeout rate (11.5 K/9), and an ‘OK’ walk rate (4 BB/9)–and together that have him a 2.9 K/BB ratio. He held opposing batters to a .191 average, which was a career-best.
Another thing he did well was keeping his opposing HR rate down. His opposing HR rate (0.3 HR/9) was the lowest in the Phils bullpen among guys that threw at least 15 innings.
Overall, Horst’s 2012 was a pleasant surprise for the Phillies. The Wilson Valdez trade is looking like a great move and a steal by Ruben Amaro Jr.
Horst may be that 8th inning guy the Phillies need to get to Jonathan Papelbon. Antonio Bastardo was up and down all year, and I think Horst could really challenge him for the set-up man role next year.
Grade: A … In a season where the Phillies bullpen was possibly their weakest part of the team, Horst did exceptionally well, especially for a guy they got in a trade for Wilson Valdez.
Read the rest of the 2012 Phillies Player Reviews here.
Latest Comments