Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat - AL
By Bryce McRae
Edited by Tim Heaney
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: AL
| NL
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts: AL
| NL
In fantasy baseball, the closer position remains volatile. Rarely does every closer hang on to the job for an entire season - injuries, poor performance and managerial decisions can cloud a team's bullpen picture.
Should you be concerned about a struggling stopper? Which relievers are climbing the depth chart? Are any injuries popping up? KFFL.com's Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat keeps you informed when you're looking for saves.
Mound meetings
-
FranK, indeed |
Alfredo Simon was a bit shaky in the
Baltimore Orioles' 6-5 victory yesterday, his second
appearance in as many days. He hit a batter, gave up a hit and issued one
walk. His fifth save was preserved when the tying run was thrown out at home.
Simon's ERA is a sparking 0.00, but his WHIP is a dangerous 1.50. He often
makes things interesting, but Baltimore has no other stable options for the
ninth until Mike Gonzalez (shoulder) returns.
Simon might not be used Friday; he threw 37 pitches in the previous two days.
- Neftali Feliz worked a scoreless
ninth in a tied game for the Texas Rangers yesterday,
but of more note, Frank Francisco struck
out all four batters he faced yesterday (17 strikes in 20 pitches). The game
was still tied in extras when he worked.
Francisco has been pounding the strike zone more often than in recent years,
a good sign for him gaining more save chances at some point this year. Feliz
is still secure in his job, but make sure Francisco is on your watch list
in all leagues, if you haven't speculated on him in mixed already.
- It hasn't been a great week for the Oakland Athletics'
Andrew Bailey. He was tagged with the
loss after allowing a run in a tied game in the 12th inning yesterday. This
followed his first blown save of the season Tuesday.
Those were the first runs he allowed all year. The winning hit yesterday came
off a missed cutter by Bailey. You'll just have to endure this rough patch.
- The Boston Red Sox's Jonathan
Papelbon has relied on three pitches this year - fastball, slider
and splitter - after leaning heavily on his fastball at times last year. It
has helped: His groundballs are up, and he has improved on his early-season
walk issues with only one free pass allowed in his last seven outings.
He has also been more efficient in his outings from both the diverse approach
and an increased personal awareness. Yes, personal awareness and maturity
- maybe not two things you would think of from the famed Irish dancer.
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: AL
| NL
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts: AL
| NL
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