A season that saw Florida State win a seventh ACC title and take a first trip to the College World Series in five years brought notable attrition. During the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft, the Seminoles had nine players selected — the most since 1995.
Among them was closer Drew Carlton, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 32nd round. Carlton wasted little time signing with Detroit, leaving a void at the back end of the FSU bullpen.
Carlton was the Seminoles’ opening day starter, but was forced to make the move after FSU blew its first save opportunity, using six hurlers in the ninth inning of a 4-2 loss to South Florida. The Seminoles entered the frame with a 2-0 lead.
Carlton went on to finish the year with a 5-4 record, seven saves and a 2.17 ERA. With Carlton off to pursue his professional dream, the Seminoles will need to find a closer. Here are five candidates to fill that void:
J.C. Flowers
Sophomore-to-be J.C. Flowers didn’t throw a single pitch in 2017, but was rumored before the season to be a candidate to be the Seminoles’ closer. Flowers started every game in center field for FSU up until the final two. Using position players as closers is not unheard of for FSU under head coach Mike Martin. Jameis Winston, Mike McGee and Buster Posey were all used in that capacity and the final two were among the biggest bats in the lineup.
Chase Haney
Chase Haney regressed a bit as a sophomore in 2017, but has the potential to be a valuable piece to the FSU bullpen. The sidewinder has struggled against left-handed hitters, but when his control is there, he can be very difficult for right-handers to pick up. Haney being able to locate pitches makes that Frisbee breaking ball all the more effective.
Cobi Johnson
Despite not throwing a pitch in 2017, Cobi Johnson was the first FSU pitcher selected in the draft, going in the 29th round to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but has yet to sign. Johnson is coming off of Tommy John Surgery, but was off to a stellar start as a sophomore in 2016. At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Johnson is an imposing figure with a live fastball and good movement on his breaking pitches. Johnson’s biggest issue to this point, has been control, but that was improving as a sophomore.
Cole Sands
Cole Sands was the Friday starter for Florida State for most of 2017, but with Tyler Holton, Andrew Karp, Drew Parrish and Cobi Johnson all potentially returning, Sands could be a candidate to close things out in 2017. Sands consistently throws a mid-90s fastball, but was inconsistent for much of his sophomore season. Sands worked three shutout innings in his only relief appearance and as a closer, could use his best stuff without worrying about pacing himself.
C.J. Van Eyk
A 19th round pick of the New York Mets, C.J. Van Eyk has yet to sign with his team and odds are that he will be in Tallahassee next season. Van Eyk is heralded as a starter, but has a mid-90s fastball, a big breaking ball and throws three pitches. Freshmen have rarely been called upon to get outs at the end of games for FSU, but Van Eyk certainly looks like an option.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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