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Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat

May 12, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Bryce McRae

In fantasy baseball, the closer position remains volatile. Rarely does every closer hang on to the job for the entire season - injury, poor performance or 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 Closer Hot Seat keeps you informed.

Key

Durability grade: 1 (very injury-prone) to 10 (extremely durable)

Job security grade: 1 (very shaky) to 10 (firm grasp)

Baltimore Orioles

Closer: N/A

Next in line: George Sherrill, Jim Johnson, Chris Ray

Other possibilities: Danys Baez

At the beginning of last week, Orioles manager Dave Trembley declared that backend bullpen duties would be decided on a game-by-game basis. The O's have only seen one save chance since then, on Thursday, May 7; it was Sherrill who shut the door, with relative ease. Three of the four batters he faced were left-handed; the other was a switch hitter.

The veteran southpaw said he didn't understand why he had been stripped of his full-time duties - after all, he hasn't been that bad. He has a point. He also shortened his stride and worked on his command with pitching coach Rick Kranitz before he picked up that save. Trembley noticed: "That's probably the best Sherrill has thrown this spring."

Ray, who may or may not be the future at the position, has been awful. He's throwing bullpen sessions every other day in an attempt to maintain consistency with his mechanics. He's not an immediate factor.

Johnson is one of B-more's hardest throwers, so he's the logical choice against right-handers. He set up Sherrill Thursday and faced three right-handers and a switch-hitter. Johnson was tagged with a blown save in his most recent outing; he appeared in the seventh frame. It wouldn't shock to see him with a chance soon, but Sherrill is trying to earn back some trust.

Durability grade: N/A

Job security grade: N/A

Chicago Cubs

Closer: Kevin Gregg

Next in line: Carlos Marmol

Despite continued criticism of Chicago's 'pen, Gregg has been outstanding in his last five appearances (4 2/3 innings), fanning six while allowing only four men to reach base. He has five saves this month after not receiving a chance since April 10. Gregg also appears to be nearly 100 percent, health-wise.

Marmol has picked up holds in all six of his May appearances. He's slowly improving his control, but he has still walked nearly a batter per inning.

There is no controversy here, despite the media's desire to fabricate one. Manager Lou Piniella has been true to his word, sticking with his veteran. Expect that to continue.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 9 (last week: 8)

Chicago White Sox

Closer: Bobby Jenks

Next in line: Octavio Dotel

Relax ... the ChiSox won't be making a switch. At least not by choice.

The league is reviewing Jenks' purpose pitch from Saturday, May 9, when the righty threw behind Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler. It was a warning shot - Texas pitchers had hit six Chicago hitters in the clubs' four meetings this year.

Speculators can take note if the league finds reason to send a message and suspend Jenks. Jenks would likely appeal, which makes a Dotel move hard to justify until more is known. It'd likely be for only a couple of games anyway.

It's a good thing Dotel hasn't given up a run yet. He's great help in the ratio department, which means it doesn't hurt to have him in tow, regardless.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 10

Colorado Rockies

Closer: Huston Street

Next in line: Jason Grilli, Alan Embree

Other possibilities: Manny Corpas

Disabled list: Taylor Buchholz

Street hasn't had many issues lately; he has strung together seven straight scoreless appearances and has picked up two saves in the last eight days.

Meanwhile, Corpas continues to work hard on commanding his slider and fastball. Manager Clint Hurdle has even hinted at a possible demotion. Perhaps Corpas is responding, because he has been effective in his last two appearances.

Expect Street to stick in the role a little longer this time around. Manager Clint Hurdle must be aware of the impact of the yo-yo effect on his bullpen. Corpas, who wasn't completely comfortable with his mechanics then, either, never should have replaced Street the first time.

Durability grade: 8 (last week: 7)

Job security grade: 8 (last week: 7)

Detroit Tigers

Closer: Fernando Rodney

Next in line: Joel Zumaya

Other possibilities: Brandon Lyon, Ryan Perry

Rodney has allowed only one run in his six appearances in save situations. He hasn't blown one yet. His numbers, however, are terrible, thanks to his work in non-save outings.

Rodney's job isn't in imminent danger. Zumaya poses the most immediate threat, but he has to improve his stamina: He has made a mere five appearances in two and a half weeks. Lyon still does little to inspire confidence (4.97 ERA and 1.50 WHIP).

Manager Jim Leyland can't be (with good reason) incredibly loyal to any of his Motown arms. He believes that his closer, whoever he is, should be reliable in any pressure situation, including those without a save on the line. Rodney, therefore, frustrates him, but the right-hander is the best man for the specialized role right now.

Durability grade: 7

Job security grade: 7 (last week: 8)

Houston Astros

Closer: LaTroy Hawkins

Next in line: Chris Sampson

Other possibilities: Geoff Geary, Tim Byrdak

Disabled list: Jose Valverde, Doug Brocail

There's little to report in Houston. Hawkins blew his last save opportunity, but he wasn't charged with an earned run. He came into the eighth inning of his club's game Friday, May 8, in an attempt to stem the bleeding.

Hawkins picked up a victory for his troubles. He hasn't been a successful closer for any lengthy period in his career, so Houston must hope for a speedy and full recovery for Valverde (calf).

Speaking of, Valverde was released from the hospital last week, and there have been no updates on his status. Consider him out until at least the beginning of June.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 8

Kansas City Royals

Closer: N/A

Next in line: Juan Cruz

Other possibilities: Kyle Farnsworth, Jamey Wright

Disabled list: Joakim Soria

Soria (shoulder) was over his shoulder issues - seriously. Oh, by the way, he went on the disabled list Sunday, May 10. The righty was shaky in his last save chance, suggesting that he wasn't right. Soria believes he'll only miss the minimum 15 days, but the team hasn't commented yet.

Manager Trey Hillman proclaimed the situation a committee. Reaction seems to be that Cruz is the likeliest to fall in line for the first chance. That's probably true; he has a 1.88 ERA and has been a formidable setup man in his career. He also recorded a save at the end of April. However, control has been an issue for him throughout his career. He's no lock.

Farnsworth, after a rough start, has pitched in six straight (seven innings) without allowing a run. Pitching coach Bob McClure believes that changes Farnsworth made in Spring Training are finally paying dividends. The right-hander is throwing a ton of strikes. He has been a fill-in closer before. Farnsworth is worth adding in AL formats, at least.

Durability grade: N/A

Job security grade: N/A

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Closer: Brian Fuentes

Next in line: Scot Shields

Other possibilities: Jose Arredondo

Fuentes hit a bump at the beginning of the month, but the road has since smoothed out. The lefty nailed down four in a row with no real issues - well, none thanks to outfielder Torii Hunter, who robbed Kansas City Royals catcher Miguel Olivo of a homer Sunday, May 10, that would've erased a one-run lead.

Arredondo, despite his promise, is still trying to figure things out. Shields (knee), meanwhile, continues to pitch through minor health problems. His latest issue - a bout with patella tendonitis - won't require a DL stint, but such maladies have affected his mechanics in what has been an uneven season.

Fuentes makes the cash, but he's not an elite closer. If it weren't for the matters with his setup men, perhaps he'd feel a little more heat. For the foreseeable future, he has little to worry about.

Durability grade: 9 (last week: 8)

Job security grade: 8

New York Yankees

Closer: Mariano Rivera

Next in line: Phil Coke

Other possibilities: Jose Veras, Mark Melancon

Disabled list: Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte

Mo admits that his surgically repaired shoulder still isn't at full strength. It may be affecting his velocity; his signature cutter has noticeably lost a couple of ticks. After seven straight scoreless appearances to begin 2009, Rivera has surrendered five earned runs, on four homers, in his last six.

The ageless one says he's doing his best; it's not good enough right now. Manager Joe Girardi has been giving him extra time off between games, which should help - his velocity climbed in his most recent game - but it might affect Rivera's sharpness. If Girardi abandons the plan, it wouldn't be shocking to see a DL stint in Rivera's future.

Mo owners: Protect your investment. He should be fine thanks to additional days off. The Yanks won't make a move and force themselves to turn to Coke or some other unproven arm, but Bruney (elbow) is close to returning. His activation could be a good excuse - if Rivera's condition worsens.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 10

Oakland Athletics

Closer: Brad Ziegler

Next in line: Andrew Bailey, Michael Wuertz

Ziegler (illness) has had a terrible case of the flu. No swine jokes, please. He had X-rays to investigate the possibility of pneumonia, and the A's don't expect him to be 100 percent for at least a week and a half.

That has opened the door for LIMA sensation Andrew Bailey (3-0, two saves, 1.27, 0.61 WHIP and 24 K's in 21 1/3 innings). Manager Bob Geren has been so impressed with the 24-year-old that he suggested Bailey could be the closer, even when Ziegler is at full strength. Bailey notched the latest save for Oakland.

Wuertz also been the recipient of some love for the role; he has two saves as well, the pair coming in back-to-back outings a couple of weeks ago. Either reliever is worth owning simply because he shouldn't hurt you. The occasional save is a bonus, and you could have yourself a more prominent member of the bullpen ... eventually. Bailey is the more intriguing addition.

Durability grade: 9

Job security grade: 5

Philadelphia Phillies

Closer: Brad Lidge

Next in line: Ryan Madson

Lidge's knee is no longer an issue. He has struggled, though, particularly in non-save situations. It's at the point where people are asking questions. Lidge is offering answers, whether you believe them or not.

He says he now feels the best he has all season. He implied that he wants to rely less on his fastball (not his best pitch) and instead use his slider (his toast and jam) to set it up. He's a fickle pitcher, but manager Charlie Manuel has never pondered the thought of going away from him, guaranteed.

Understandably, fantasy owners have been concerned about his struggles (five homers allowed already, two all of last season, for instance). Really, they're running out of time to buy on him. He wasn't going to be perfect, or even close, because he walks too many. Flashbacks to his days with the Houston Astros are no doubt entering minds, but he should right the ship.

Durability grade: 7

Job security grade: 10

Pittsburgh Pirates

Closer: Matt Capps

Next in line: John Grabow, Tyler Yates

Capps (elbow) experienced a scare thanks to a "real sharp pain." However, he apparently has not felt any soreness since. He threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session Monday, May 11, and plans to return to game action Tuesday, May 12.

Capps owners no doubt feel relieved, but don't rest on your laurels once he's back. Health problems are slowly becoming a regular issue for the right-hander.

There's no reason to panic, but consider selling high on the otherwise valuable commodity - say, after a hot streak of saves or something. Oh, that's right, we're talking about Pittsburgh....

Durability grade: 7

Job security grade: 10

St. Louis Cardinals

Closer: Ryan Franklin

Next in line: Jason Motte

Other possibilities: Chris Perez, Kyle McClellan

For the first time this season, Franklin coughed up the lead in a save situation. He gave up two solo homers in the ninth Sunday, May 10; that accounts for his only runs allowed this season.

Manager Tony La Russa will need to see more failure from Franklin before the right-hander is removed as "closer" - remember, St. Louis doesn't have one. Motte is the club's setup man now, and Perez picked up a one-out save after Franklin's mini-meltdown, but TLR is probably still most comfortable with the veteran Franklin right now.

The two youngsters, who have closer stuff, have pitched well. Motte hasn't allowed a run since April 14, while Perez has given up just one since he allowed two April 17. Each remains worth stashing, at least in deep leagues, but there's very little smoke here.

Durability grade: 9

Job security grade: 6

Seattle Mariners

Closer: Brandon Morrow

Next in line: David Aardsma

Seattle activated Morrow (biceps) as soon as he was eligible Saturday, May 9. He wasn't far from being at full strength, as they suspected, but they were perhaps a bit too optimistic initially. Considering how much trouble Morrow has had remaining healthy, they'd be wise to remain cautious with him.

The right-hander saved the M's Sunday, May 10, contest against the Minnesota Twins, but not without yielding a run. It may take him a game or two to be back in the swing. Hopefully he's past the maladies, but he's earning the injury-prone label. It'd be wise to secure Aardsma's services if you own Morrow.

Durability grade: 6

Job security grade: 9

Toronto Blue Jays

Closer: Scott Downs

Next in line: Jason Frasor

Disabled list: B.J. Ryan

In a non-save situation Saturday, May 9, Downs took plenty of lumps (one inning, three earned runs, five hits and a walk). It was a startling performance from a pitcher who had otherwise been virtually flawless, especially as a fill-in for Ryan (back, shoulder). Downs just hasn't received much work lately.

The southpaw of real concern remains Ryan, who pitched in a third rehab game for Class A Dunedin Monday, May 11. He fanned two in a perfect inning and has allowed one run, one hit and one walk in his three innings there. There's no timetable for his return, though. Toronto is in no rush.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 9

Washington Nationals

Closer: N/A

Next in line: Joel Hanrahan, Joe Beimel

Other possibilities: Julian Tavarez, Kip Wells, Garrett Mock

Hanrahan was working himself back into favor when he tossed up zeroes in four straight outings following his demotion. He has permitted one of his own runners to score once in two of his last three appearances, though. In the middle game, he struck out the only batter he faced to notch a save after Wells ran into a bit o' trouble.

Beimel was the reported favorite to close once he returned from the disabled list, but none of his three appearances have come in save situations. He has set up twice, though. The first time, he was scheduled to face two lefties; the second, he saw all right-handers. Scratch your head. He's their best lefty, so one would expect him to be more of a key setup man, with perhaps the occasional save opp.

Wells picked up a save with a perfect ninth, including two strikeouts, Friday, May 8. He hasn't been extremely reliable, though, thanks to control issues. Tavarez, after a brilliant beginning to 2009, has been pretty bad (six earned runs in last 3 2/3 innings). The Nats have used Mock sparingly, and he has yet to impress.

The Nats weren't happy with Hanrahan's performance, for obvious reasons. Unfortunately for them, he may be their only hope. He's worth stashing in deep leagues. Otherwise, why bother meddling with this mess?

Durability grade: N/A

Job security grade: N/A