Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat
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September 24, 2009 @ 00:00:00
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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
- Brad Lidge could be out as the Philadelphia Phillies closer ... if manager Charlie Manuel had another reliever he could rely on. Last year's Mr. Perfect blew his 11th save of the season last night against the Florida Marlins, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk. With Brett Myers (shoulder) sidelined for now, Manuel appears out of plans for Lidge and setup guy Ryan Madson - they simply have to perform better, he says.
- As for Myers, he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session next Tuesday. The team is hoping he'll return before the end of the regular season; it'd be a stretch to think he could go right into closing for the postseason, even if that is the move Manuel wants to make.
- The big deal made about who will close from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's bullpen? You will probably have to wait. Kevin Jepsen (shoulder) was unavailable the last few days because of a dead arm. Manager Mike Scioscia wants to make sure Jepsen and Jason Bulger are rested for the postseason. True to his word, Scioscia has played the matchups in the ninth with Darren Oliver getting looks in close games in the ninth the last two games. Again, Brian Fuentes is likely being given a bit of time to rest before the postseason.
- Washington Nationals stopper Mike MacDougal almost blew a save last night, allowing two hits and walking one before a throwing error brought home one run (unearned) he allowed. He had already thrown 18 pitches in the eighth inning and needed 17 pitches in the ninth before he was pulled. His workload has been inconsistent this month - he has made just three appearances in the last two weeks, and he has been awfully shaky. He's at home, where he has been much better, for his next two series, so if you're desperate for saves, you can play him.
- Listen up, kids: Reading is bad for you. Just ask the Seattle Mariners' David Aardsma (back). His back tightened up when he was reading on a five-hour flight earlier this week. He was available if needed on Tuesday, though manager Don Wakamatsu didn't want to risk him. He wasn't needed last night, either, though again he was available.
- The Kansas City Royals' Joakim Soria wasn't available last night after saving three straight games. Look for him to be back tonight if needed.
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Future: more Morales in the 9th? |
Just because Huston Street is set to return as closer doesn't mean Franklin Morales' long-term future doesn't lie in that role. The team will have him start in winter ball, but manager Jim Tracy compared Morales to Eric Gagne (the prime year Los Angeles Dodgers' Gagne, not the AL version). With a set role in important innings, Morales has attacked hitters well and shown more confidence on the mound.
- Worrying sign for the future? Neftali Feliz, of the Texas Rangers, has seen his velocity drop from the high 90s (and triple digits at times) to the low to mid-90s this month. Fatigue could be setting in for the 21-year-old hurler. The drop in velocity, if not injury-related, could force him to become a better pitcher rather than rely on his sizzling stuff. Single-year fantasy owners might not be comfortable with that scenario for the last week and a half, though.
- The Tampa Bay Rays don't plan to go after a closer in the offseason, meaning we should continue to see J.P. Howell, Randy Choate, Dan Wheeler and the ilk garner saves here and there in 2010.
Also see: Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
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