2013 Padres Season Review: Huston Street

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Huston Street had a successful second season with the Padres in 2013 with 33 saves, 46 strikeouts, and a 2.70 ERA.  Street was able to stay healthy for most of the 2013 season after a couple injuries in 2012 forced him onto the disabled list twice.  In the beginning of 2013, Street had some rocky outings, but Street’s stellar numbers returned in July, August, and nearly all of September.  The blown save against the San Francisco Giants in the final game of the season was Street’s only blemish after the All-Star Break.  As Street moves into the final year of his contract with an option available for the 2015 season, he will look to continue being a reliable closer, and try to regain his dominate form for an entire season.

Street has had 56 saves in 59 opportunities in two seasons with the Padres.  His pitching style relies on movement and location, which continues to be an effective way to strikeout hitters.  In 2012, Street made the All-Star team and was on track to match or exceed career highs in saves and strikeouts, but a strained left calf placed him on the DL for six weeks in most of August and September.  In 2013, Street’s ability to close out ball games was virtually as good as ever, but his early season woes caused his ERA to go from 1.85 a year ago to 2.70, and his WHIP went from a mind-boggling 0.72 to 1.02.  Street’s 2013 numbers are still among the best closers in the league, but questions surrounding his ability to regain his All-Star form are present.

Let’s hope Street will be healthy in 2014 because lingering injuries may have caused a slide in his dominance in the beginning of 2013.  However, after two seasons with the Padres, Street remains the most valuable and consistent player in the bullpen.  Friar fans can expect him to have another great season in 2014, which will help the bullpen become a stabilizing force for a young starting pitching staff.