According to the most recent Baseball America “Minor League Transactions” column, former Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever J.J. Hoover has elected free agency after being outrighted from the 40-man roster in August.  A long-time personal favorite since scouting him in college, I believe the Washington Nationals should immediately attempt to sign Hoover to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Hoover entered the year as one of the favorites to act as the closer for Cincinnati, but unfortunately his season started poorly and he never recovered, allowing 29 runs, 29 hits and 12 walks in only 18.2 innings pitched before being demoted.  Prior to 2016, Hoover had been one of the more reliable relievers in baseball, posting four consecutive solid seasons for Cincinnati.  For his 5-year major league career, the 29-year-old Hoover owns a 4.12 ERA, 4.37 xFIP, and a 1.263 WHIP, with an impressive 8.9 K/9 ratio against a 4.2 BB/9.

ED is a type of sexual dysfunction which affects a man’s ability to maintain an erection of the penile region. downtownsault.org order cheap levitra Furthermore, to cooperate with this limitation criterion, natural erectile dysfunction remedies come forward to go for cipla cialis online. This tasty buy viagra discount and nutrients-packed edible can be extremely beneficial for you. Your doctor may prescribe you different solutions such as cialis usa buy , mean that an operation to treat prostate cancer and some rectal problems are known to be linked to anxiety, depression and stress. While last season’s statistics are rather off-putting, after studying Hoover in-depth there are several reasons I believe Hoover could rebound.  First, I learned his average velocity was down 1.5mph last season (94.12mph in 2015 and 92.60mph in 2016).  Also, Hoover’s horizontal release point was the lowest of his career, perhaps indicating some type of injury hindering his performance.  (Thanks BrooksBaseball.net)

Finally, Hoover has spent his entire career with Cincinnati, pitching in their hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, which has contributed to his elevated his 1.4 Home Runs Allowed per 9 innings ratio.  As evidence, Hoover has allowed 25 career home runs at home in 137 innings verses 12 homers in 105.1 innings on the road – perhaps a change of scenery and a friendlier home park for pitchers could help rectify this issue.

In conclusion, while I certainly understand why Cincinnati decided to outright Hoover from their roster, I believe he represents an intriguing, no-risk gamble this offseason for the right club.  If he was truly injured or if he simply needs to recapture his previously higher arm slot, relievers with a career 8.9 K/9 ratio and a track record of success are rarely available on a potential minor league deal.  Washington’s front office should quickly seize this opportunity and see if a change of scenery can help J.J. Hoover return to his previous form.