Kansas City Royals Franchise Four Candidates

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Dan Quisenberry

It would be interesting to see how teams would react to Dan Quisenberry in this day and age. A submarine pitcher who relied upon pinpoint control and an uncanny ability to get ground balls, Quisenberry would likely be considered as a middle reliever. There would be virtually no chance that he would be thought of as a closer at this point in the evolution of baseball.

Yet, despite lacking a blazing fastball or a menacing demeanor, the unassuming Quisenberry became one of the best closers of his era. Quisenberry was a three time All-Star, a five time winner of the Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year award and finished in the top three of the Cy Young ballot four times. Quisenberry even finished third in 1984 MVP vote, one of four times he finished in the top ten.

Overall with the Kansas City Royals, Dan Quisenberry notched 238 saves to go along with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.150 WHiP. Known for that impeccable control, Quisenberry walked a mere 1.4 batters per nine innings. Taking out intentional walks, that number becomes an astonishing 0.79 walks per nine. On eht Royals leaderboard, Quisenberry has the lowest ERA in team history, is second in saves and third in WHiP. All this, and he only struck out just over three batters per nine innings.

Another player who deserves to have his number retired by the Royals, Quisenberry is actually a borderline Hall of Fame closer, despite not having the prototypical stuff associated for the role. Arguably the greatest closer in Kansas City Royals history, he is an interesting inclusion on the ballot.

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