Toronto Going to Closer Committee; Who Benefits?

September 12, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeremy Accardo has set a new career high for saves with 27. This has been great for fantasy owners who grabbed him off waivers, however, things are about to change in Toronto. Manager John Gibbons believes Accardo, who has blown five saves this season, is starting to show signs of fatigue and he plans to switch to a closer-by-committee approach for the rest of the season. Accardo will still be used, however, relief pitchers Casey Janssen, Scott Downs and Brian Wolfe could all see more time pitching in save situations.

Janssen was the first to get the call when he appeared to finish up the game Monday, Sept. 10. Janssen needed to get just one out, but instead gave up two runs and three hits for his fifth blown save of the season. With Janssen's turn out of the way, it is likely Downs or Wolfe will be used in the next save situation. Downs has posted a 2-2 record with a 2.44 ERA over 71 games. This has been the first full season he has spent in the bullpen. Wolfe has been a surprise for the Blue Jays so far this season, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.91 ERA but he has yet to pick up a save in two opportunities. He was tagged with a blown save last week, when he gave up two runs in the sixth inning, although the team ended up winning. With his relative inexperience, it is likely Downs and Janssen will be given more of the opportunities.

So what does this mean for your fantasy team? Well Accardo's value definitely takes a hit. He could still be used, just not as frequently. Gibbons has not said how often he will get into games, nor has he said who will be his preferred options each day. This means it is hard to judge whether Janssen, Downs or Wolfe will be used. On Monday, the left-handed throwing Downs appeared to be a better matchup as Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson was at the plate. Granderson has struggled against lefties this season, hitting .157. Yet, Gibbons had made up his mind to go with Janssen that day and stuck to it. It could just come down to a regular rotation of relievers.

If you are looking to replace Accardo in the ERA and WHIP departments, Downs or Janssen might be your best bet. Janssen has a 2.34 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP this season, while also picking up five saves. However, his strikeout rate is low with just 36 in 67 1/3 innings pitched. He should be available in around 95 percent of leagues.

Downs has had a similar year to Janssen, just without the saves. As stated above, he has appeared in 71 games, going 2-2 with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He has struck out 51 batters in 51 2/3 innings, so he would provide more versatility. He is available in almost all leagues polled.

If neither of those options is that enticing, or you need saves, Baltimore Orioles closer Danys Baez could be an option. Baez has gone 0-6 with a 6.29 ERA this year, but he is the closer in Baltimore and will at least be given save opportunities on a regular basis, the last coming on Aug. 31. If you feel like taking a hit in all the other categories, but need the saves, Baez could be an option. He is available in around 70 percent of leagues polled.

If Baez is not someone you want to consider, Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carlos Marmol could be an option. Over the past month, Marmol has thrown 15 1/3 innings, not allowing one run and striking out 22 batters. He has also picked up three wins. He should be available in around 49 percent of leagues polled.

Finally, one situation to keep an eye on would be in San Francisco. Giants closer Brad Hennessey has blown three of his last five save opportunities, the last coming Monday, Aug. 10. With the team out of postseason contention, they could potentially give relief pitcher Brian Wilson, who some tag as the closer of the future, more opportunities. Wilson did pick up the save Tuesday, Aug. 11, but this could have been because Hennessey pitched three of the last four days. Even if Wilson doesn't take over closing duties, he could still provide you with a boost in ERA (1.10), WHIP (0.98) and strikeouts (11 in 16 1/3 innings). This is also an example of team's trying out younger players in different situations with the season almost over. Hennessey is available in only 7 percent to leagues polled, while Wilson is available in 90 percent of leagues.

At this stage of the season, it will be tough to replace the saves Accardo brought to the table. However, you should be able to find a pitcher who can replace his ERA, WHIP and strikeouts.

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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.

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