Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat - AL

by Bryce McRae on July 1, 2010 @ 11:45:00 PDT

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

Future ninth innings for Cleveland

Bobby Jenks should be back in the Chicago White Sox's bullpen for Friday, but he might not be used initially. Per manager Ozzie Guillen: "I don't know if we're going to pitch him right away. ... That's up to [pitching coach Don Cooper]. I don't think he's going to come out and pitch right away. He's got a calf we've got to protect."
Matt Thornton and J.J. Putz should be in line to vulture another save or two, depending on the situation.
The Cleveland Indians gave us a glimpse of the future last night. Top setup option Chris Perez worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save of the year. Kerry Wood was given the day off after working three straight. Make sure Perez is on a roster in your league if you're speculating for saves.
Owners of the Baltimore Orioles' Alfredo Simon received two pieces of good news yesterday: Simon saved his 10th game of the year, and Mike Gonzalez (shoulder) won't be back until at least Thursday, July 8. Gonzo will pitch tomorrow, Sunday and Tuesday before being re-evaluated. Simon should continue to close 'til then, possibly longer.

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.