Atlanta Braves fans want a closer: Here’s data to help you pick one

As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, Atlanta Braves fans want a closer, and we’ve discussed a bunch of options. Everyone has a favorite, but how did you decide which available player you prefer?

Fans of the Atlanta Braves feel their blood pressure rapidly increase when manager Brian Snitker goes to his bullpen, but he’s hamstrung when he must use his best late-inning arms on more than two consecutive days.

Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos said in an interview Wednesday that he and his front office team looked at available players and know what price they are willing to pay.

Without discussing price – because any good closer requires a good price – I’m presenting data to help you make an informed choice or choices.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you dive into metrics, so I’ve narrowed it down to a few we can all understand.

I’ve included a couple of personal statistics that help me get a better picture as well —  I’ll explain them as needed. Use them if you believe if you find them worthwhile.

I’ve pulled together numbers through the games on Saturday, July 13. They remain descriptive; one or two games won’t change a pitcher’s core numbers at this point in the season.

The pitchers included are generally considered available, most of them we discussed as possible Atlanta Braves targets at some point over the last six weeks.

To eliminate name bias, I’m listing them by Fangraphs player ID; I provide a way to decipher them at the end. Jump forward if you wish, but blind comparisons are more fun — at least for me.

I’d like to include a poll, but that’s not available right now. Instead, let me know your choices in the comments.