Rays 2009 player preview: Dan Wheeler

February 6, 12:48 PMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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Dan Wheeler quietly had an excellent season for the Rays in 2008. While Grant Balfour and J.P. Howell came out of nowhere to put up unbelievable numbers, Wheeler flew under the radar and was a very valuable member of the AL Champs.

Here are some statistical highlights from Wheeler’s 2008 campaign:

• Led the Rays with 70 appearances
• Sixth among AL relief pitchers (50+ IP) with a 0.99 WHIP
• Fifth among AL relievers (50+ IP) with a .190 BAA
• First among AL relievers (50+ IP) with a .202 BAA on balls in play

Wheeler got off to a hot start in 2008, but then cooled off in the second half. Wheeler had a 2.38 ERA before the All-Star break, but posted a 4.38 mark in the second half. His final numbers were 5-6, 3.12 ERA with 13 saves in 66.1 IP.

Not a flashy guy by any means, the 31 year old Wheeler uses guts, guile, and location to get hitters out. Watching Wheeler pitch is kind of like watching Keanu Reeves act in the Matrix. He doesn’t seem to have any talent, but for whatever reason it just works. Wheeler’s fastball tops out at 90 and his off-speed stuff would hardly be described as "devastating" but he was able to hold right-handed hitters to a batting average of just .163 in 2008 – a very stellar number.

Another fact you have to like about Wheeler is the combined 5 for 44 number that Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew, and Jason Bay have put up against him. Count on seeing heavy doses of Wheeler against Boston again in 2009.

The big question for Wheeler heading into 2009 is this: Will he or Grant Balfour or both be the closer?

In 2008, Wheeler held opponents to a .142 BAA in the eighth inning and the number jumped to .253 in the ninth. Balfour allowed a .155 BAA in the eighth and a .167 BAA in the ninth inning. Take those numbers for what they are worth, but I am just throwing them out there. I know Joe Maddon loves both Wheeler and Balfour and probably won’t restrict himself to making one or the other the closer. Another case of wait and see.

My 2009 prediction: 71 G, 73 IP, 4-5, 3.33 ERA, 10 SV, 1.22 WHIP, 60 K

Wheeler should see a decent amount of save opportunities, especially early, and will continue to be a valuable piece of the Rays bullpen (unless he is traded).

Dan Wheeler on Baseball Reference

Dan Wheeler on RetroSheet

Dan Wheeler on FanGraphs

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