Toronto Blue Jays: Why Did it All go Wrong for Drew Storen?
By Paul Taylor
As the Toronto Blue Jays designate Drew Storen for assignment, we ask where it all went wrong for the former 10th overall draft pick?
When the Toronto Blue Jays first signed Drew Storen, it was quite rightly praised as an excellent addition to the bullpen. After all, we were talking about a player who excelled during his first six seasons in the Majors, all with the Washington Nationals.
Unfortunately for Storen, things have gone downhill ever since, and fast. As confirmed by Sportsnet’s Barry Davis, the Blue Jays have designated the right-handed reliever for assignment.
The question is, where did it all go wrong for the former 10th overall draft pick? Just last season, he had 29 saves as the Nationals’ closer, before relinquishing the role to Jonathan Papelbon, who was acquired before the trade deadline.
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Given that Storen went on to have a disastrous spell as a setup man, this may well have been the genesis for his struggles. Following the Papelbon trade, he recorded a 9.22 ERA (he was 3.44 on the year) and had his season ended prematurely – maybe somewhat appropriately – by a thumb injury, suffered after slamming a locker shut in frustration.
Fast forward to this year, when the Indianapolis, Indiana native lost out to Roberto Osuna, for the closer role. No one’s denying Osuna has had an excellent season, but Storen could quite rightly feel aggrieved, after outperforming his teammate during spring training.
Regardless, no one could have expected what was to come from the 28-year old. He is easily on course for his worst season as a pro, including career-highs in ERA and WHIP.
It’s possible Storen just never adjusted to his new role, but a drop in his average pitch speed hasn’t helped either. The problem was immediately noticeable, with April representing the lowest velocity of his career for a single month.
It’s worth noting the two-time First All-Pac-10 team selection has still posted excellent strikeout and walk rates this year. However, this has not been enough to save his season up to this point.
Storen will likely clear waivers, due to his $8.375 million salary, although the Blue Jays are hopeful of working out a trade. Whatever happens, he’s set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign, and his career in Toronto is more than likely over.
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What do you make of Storen’s fall from grace? Do you see him being able to turn things around, whether it be in Toronto or somewhere else? Let us know in the comments section below.