Rockies' Axford proving to be one of best closers in NL West

In a division that includes two superstar closers -- the Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen and the Padres’ Craig Kimbrel -- the Rockies’ John Axford may be the best closer in the NL West this season. Both Kimbrel and Jansen have blown saves this season, while Axford remains perfect.

Kimbrel has definitely not been as sharp as usual this season with a 3.91 ERA. Jansen has given up one earned run in nine innings, but Axford has only given up one earned in 18 innings for a 0.50 ERA. Axford has also yielded only 11 hits in those 18 frames.

Per the Denver Post, Rockies manager Walt Weiss said, “He definitely has a slow heartbeat in the ninth inning, and a closer needs that.”

(h/t Denver Post)

Photo credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images