Brad Hand is a three-time All-Star. He has 44 saves in just 91 appearances with Cleveland. His FIP since coming over from San Diego is 2.95. By any measure, he has been a fantastic addition for the Tribe. What happened Wednesday night against the White Sox is a aberration, the exception that proves the rule.
At least until it isn’t.
At 30, Hand is far from washed up and ineffective as a pitcher. He shares bullpen space with Oliver Pérez, proof that relievers can maintain lengthy careers. But the guy he took over the closer role from, Cody Allen, is just a year older and currently without a team, proof that relief arms can be fickle.