Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat - AL

by Bryce McRae on August 13, 2010 @ 13:30:00 PDT

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.

Key

Job security (JS) score	1 (unstable) to 5 (untouchable)
Health (H) score	1 (injury-prone) to 5 (durable)

Boston Red Sox

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon

Understudy: Daniel Bard

Can Boston rely on Papelbon?

Yesterday Papelbon blew his first save against the Toronto Blue Jays in 25 chances. Boston's stopper gave up three runs on four hits while recording just one out in the ninth.

Papelbon was pulled in the ninth for the first time since taking over as the closer, in 2006. Bard couldn't save Papelbon; he gave up a sac fly for the winning run.

After the game, Papelbon said, "I didn't have much power or energy in my delivery today. ... It was just kind of a groggy day for me." Worrying? Yes. Terry Francona is loyal - don't expect a change - but the Red Sox do have ground to make up in the playoff race, and Bard has looked sharp....

Job security score: 4

Health score: 5

Mound meetings

The Chicago White Sox's Bobby Jenks (back) departed after three batters yesterday (pop-out, single, walk), and the vet is considered day-to-day. Manager Ozzie Guillen doesn't think Jenks will be ready today, but he hopes it's not longer than that. J.J. Putz and Matt Thornton would receive the save chances with Jenks out.
The New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera was given off last night, allowing David Robertson to pick up his first save of the season. It was a bit dicey, though; he gave up two hits before recording one K for the lockdown.
Ken Rosenthal, of FOX Sports, reported the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim placed Brian Fuentes was put on waivers. It was an erroneous story.
Sticking with waivers, Kevin Gregg was claimed on trade waivers and pulled back. Note: The Toronto Blue Jays have club options for 2011 and 2012 for the 25-save reliever.
The Seattle Mariners' David Aardsma and Brandon League were both claimed on trade waivers and pulled back, as well.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: AL | NL

Fantasy baseball closer depth charts: AL | NL

About Bryce McRae

Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.