Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat
By Bryce McRae
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Also see: Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
In fantasy baseball, the closer position remains volatile. Rarely does every closer hang on to the job for the entire season - injuries, poor performance and managerial decisions can cloud a team's bullpen picture.
Should you be concerned about a struggling stopper? Which setup men are climbing the depth chart? Any lingering injuries popping up? KFFL.com's Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat series keeps you informed when you're looking for saves.
Mound meetings
- Have to love Bobby Jenks' (kidney) resolve. The Chicago White Sox's closer wasn't available yesterday because of a kidney stone. However, he passed it and should be back with the team today. Matt Thornton gave up a solo shot in the ninth to the blow save last night, though outfielder DeWayne Wise gave him the W with his bottom-of-the-ninth homer. It looks like Jenks' issues won't last longer than one day. If he isn't available, count on Thornton or righty Octavio Dotel - matchups could determine who will pitch. Both are solid ratio relievers, too, for mixed owners looking.
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When is Francisco coming back? |
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said Frank Francisco (pneumonia) won't be coming off the DL today. Still no idea if he'll need a rehab assignment or when he'll be back, either. It was encouraging that he was able to work on fielding drills yesterday. The Rangers also called up Warner Madrigal (1.83 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 9.38 K/9 with Triple-A Oklahoma) to aid an overworked bullpen.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers clarified what role George Sherrill will have with the club; he'll be the setup man for Jonathan Broxton and will close on days when J-Brox isn't available. According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, the Dodgers are still looking for more bullpen help, too.
- Now we know why the Florida Marlins shot down a potential deal for San Diego Padres fireman Heath Bell. The Pads wanted outfielder Cameron Maybin and starter Andrew Miller, which Florida quickly declined. Good luck getting that deal done, San Diego.
- Like we stated yesterday, the Baltimore Orioles' closer designation likely will be placed on Jim Johnson with Sherrill heading to the West Coast. Is there a sleeper in this situation? Well, Koji Uehara (elbow) likely will return to the bullpen when he is back; he saved 37 games in Japan in 2007. He isn't expected back until September, but he could be someone to stash if you're already planning for next year in deep retention leagues. Chris Ray (biceps) has also been activated off the DL; he has experienced better velocity recently and should be added to your watch list in AL leagues.
- The New York Mets' Billy Wagner (elbow) will pitch in a rehab assignment tomorrow and is "close" to rejoining the team, per manager Jerry Manuel. He should be added to any watch lists in NL leagues.
- The season is over for Detroit Tigers fireballer Joel Zumaya (shoulder). He received a second cortisone shot in his shoulder yesterday and is scheduled for surgery in mid-August.
- After 25 1/3 innings, New York Yankees righty Phil Hughes finally gave up a run. His stats as a reliever: 0.98 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 10.41 K/9. He can help boost your ratios in leagues of all types.
Also see: Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
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