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Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat

April 28, 2009 @ 01:00:01

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Bryce McRae

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 - 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)

Atlanta Braves

Closer: Mike Gonzalez

Next in line: Rafael Soriano

Other possibilities: Peter Moylan, Manny Acosta

Gonzalez isn't in imminent danger, but a curious move last week suggested that he may not be the full-time closer. Manager Bobby Cox inserted Gonzalez in the eighth frame of a 0-0 ballgame to retire a left-handed hitter. It was the only batter he'd face; he received a win for his efforts.

Soriano came on to pitch a perfect ninth and preserve victory after the Bravos took the lead at the top of the inning. All three hitters he retired were right-handed. Gonzalez had pitched the night before, but he threw a not-so-taxing 19 pitches. Soriano, the more injury-prone hurler of the two, has pitched more innings (nine) than Gonzalez (7 1/3) thus far.

Gonzalez was back at it a couple of nights later, working a perfect ninth for a save, with Soriano setting him up. Gonzo recorded outs against a righty, a right-handed pinch hitter and a lefty. Still, it sparks curiosity: Will manager Bobby Cox play matchups in the final frame again? Soriano's peripherals make him worth owning anywhere, anyway.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 8

Baltimore Orioles

Closer: George Sherrill

Next in line: Chris Ray

Other possibilities: Danys Baez, Jim Miller, Jim Johnson

Ray's last six appearances have been of the scoreless variety (5 2/3 frames, five hits, two walks, nine K's). Since his first two rocky games (four earned runs on five hits and a walk in 1 1/3 inings), he has settled in. Ray doesn't appear to be in line to close anytime soon, though.

Sherrill blew a save Friday, April 24, against the Texas Rangers when he served up a two-run shot to third baseman Michael Young. Sherrill fed Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler and Young a steady diet of fastballs, an interesting approach against the league's top homer-hitting club in a park that heavily favors right-handed hitters.

Nevertheless, the southpaw came right back to nail one down Sunday, April 26. Ray has been effective, but he needs more innings to give manager Dave Trembley a sense that he's all the way back from Tommy John surgery. If he keeps it up, it may not be long.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 5 (last week: 4)

Chicago Cubs

Closer: Kevin Gregg

Next in line: Carlos Marmol

Other possibilities: Aaron Heilman

Marmol (knee) gave the Cubs a scare last week when he sustained what turned out to be a Grade 1 sprain in his left knee. Surgery would have meant two to three weeks - or more. He said he felt "100 percent" after a bullpen session Monday, April 27, and he's available Tuesday, April 28. It's worth noting that Heilman was deemed the setup man in Marmol's absence.

Swell news, because this bullpen has been worked, and Gregg (knee) still isn't 100 percent. He remains the closer in name, but he hasn't received a save chance since April 10. Then again, the Cubbies haven't created many, and manager Lou Piniella is aware of it. In the past week (a mere two innings), Gregg has yielded four hits, including a homer.

The time is now: Target either in a trade if you own one and not the other. Gregg's price is low, but Sweet Lou is the loyal type. Save opps will come for a club that has only six this year but generated 68 (sixth in the bigs) last season. Play the "I'm just seeking security" angle, and you may not have to give up a key piece to complete the handcuff.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 7

Colorado Rockies

Closer: Manny Corpas

Next in line: Jason Grilli, Alan Embree

Other possibilities: Huston Street

Disabled list: Taylor Buchholz

Non-save situations and Corpas don't get along. The former and current Rox closer pitched a scoreless inning in his only traditional save chance of the season. In his other 8 1/3 innings, the sinkerballer has allowed six earned runs and 14 hits.

Since becoming the stopper, Corpas has yielded four earned runs and 11 hits in five innings - that's with his one save mixed in. The right-hander hasn't been sharp, which begs the question: Why dethrone one struggling reliever for one not much better?

Street has been consulting pitching coach Bob Apodaca and believes he's finding keys to a turnaround. The results are mildly encouraging. Since the demotion: three earned runs, four hits and five K's in 5 1/3 innings. Many have given up too soon on Street. Have room? Stash him.

If Corpas doesn't settle in and Street doesn't improve in middle relief work, a committee situation could arise. That would make no Colorado reliever playable. PS: The Rockies transferred Buchholz (elbow) to the 60-day DL.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 7

Detroit Tigers

Closer: Fernando Rodney

Next in line: Joel Zumaya

Other possibilities: Brandon Lyon, Ryan Perry

Rodney reeled off five straight scoreless appearances to open 2009, but the wheels on his Radio Flyer have begun to come loose. In his last three games (three innings), the righty has yielded seven hits and five earned runs. Two of them were non-save situations that he turned into dicey predicaments.

The latest scandalous effort - Monday, April 27, against the New York Yankees - caused the bullpen to stir. Who began tossing after Rodney encountered serious trouble?

Since Opening Day, Lyon has been effective (8 2/3 innings, one earned run, five hits, three walks) ... but it wasn't him. Perry has been wild (five walks) yet largely impressive (6 1/3 innings, three hits, seven K's) ... but it wasn't him.

Answer: Zumaya (one inning, two hits in his first 2009 look Saturday, April 25). Zumaya claims that he has purposely dialed back on the velocity (from the 99-100 range to the mid-90s). That should help him maintain control, something that has been a huge issue (5.16 career BB/9) for him. Speculators may add him in deep leagues.

Durability grade: 7

Job security grade: 6 (last week: 7)

Florida Marlins

Closer: Matt Lindstrom

Next in line: Leo Nunez

Other possibilities: Renyel Pinto, Kiko Calero, Jose Ceda, Ryan Tucker

Disabled list: Scott Proctor

The Philadelphia Phillies violated Lindstrom for four hits, three walks and seven - seven! - earned runs in two-thirds of a frame Friday, April 27. Manager Fredi Gonzalez left his closer in for 38 pitches in the disastrous blown save.

Gonzalez made it clear immediately after that contest that he'd be sticking with Lindstrom. He believes his guy has the stuff. Some interesting comments from each make one wonder if Lindstrom has the makeup, though. The skipper stated that he thinks his stopper just needs more chances in the ninth. Lindstrom hadn't pitched in a game in five days before that outing.

Nunez was on Saturday, April 25, in a save situation, but he quickly encountered trouble and yielded to Pinto in a matchup play. The southpaw blew it. The Fish don't appear to have a singular alternative right now. If Gonzalez were to remove Lindstrom, a committee situation would seem likely.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 8

Houston Astros

Closer: Jose Valverde

Next in line: LaTroy Hawkins

Other possibilities: Doug Brocail

It has been a frustrating beginning for owners of Valverde (calf). He strained his right calf last week and has struggled to get back on the mound since. A stint on the disabled list still sounds likely, but they'll "wait and see," per manager Cecil Cooper.

Valverde has been getting plenty of treatment, but he has no plans to play catch in the next two days. He'll miss at least a couple of games. Duh. The 'Stros are going to play this one cautiously.

Hawkins (10 innings, 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, six K's) is the man until Valverde is ready to go. Scoop him up if he's still in the pool, because this could turn into a nice short-term addition.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 10

Kansas City Royals

Closer: Joakim Soria

Next in line: Juan Cruz

Other possibilities: Jamey Wright, Kyle Farnsworth

Soria (shoulder) has soreness in his right shoulder and hasn't pitched since Wednesday, April 22. He's not expected to twirl again for at least a few more days. The right-hander played catch Sunday, April 26, but there's no return date set. Manager Trey Hillman said he won't push it. Patience.

KC's skipper said he'll employ a committee in the meantime. The most fitting fill-in might be Cruz (2.08 ERA, five K's in 8 2/3 innings). Wright (0.90 ERA, seven K's in 10 innings) has also been pitching well of late. He has been quite reliable. AL players can consider Cruz, but without direction, don't be in a rush to dip here.

Durability grade: 9

Job security grade: 10

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Closer: Brian Fuentes

Next in line: Scot Shields

Other possibilities: Jose Arredondo

After a rough start, Fuentes has been a beacon of light in the Angels' bullpen, which has been the worst in the league. The southpaw has fanned six in his past three appearances (three innings, one save). The K's have come in handy: He allowed five baserunners in that time.

Shields was awful for two games before normalizing in the next two (1 2/3 innings, no runs, one hit, one walk). He and pitching coach Mike Butcher think they found the problem.

Manager Mike Scoscia wonders how much Shields' WBC participation has to do with his ordinarily steady setup man's struggles. The right-hander has pitched more innings that any other reliever in the bigs over the past five years, too.

Durability grade: 7

Job security grade: 8 (last week: 7)

Milwaukee Brewers

Closer: Trevor Hoffman

Next in line: Todd Coffey

Other possibilities: Carlos Villanueva, Seth McClung, Jorge Julio

Disabled list: David Riske

The Hoff (oblique) is back, so get him in your lineup. He pitched a perfect inning Monday, April 27, in his first 2009 action. Maybe he'll provide stability for the Brew Crew's 'pen - if he stays healthy.

Manager Ken Macha no longer felt comfortable turning to Villanueva (6.75 ERA in 10 2/3 innings) in the interim. Villy's latest appearance won't gain him favor. Coffey (3.00 ERA in 12 innings) looks like Milwaukee's current setup man, but the righty has been a little shaky himself lately. Don't feel loyal to either, except in NL formats.

Durability grade: 6

Job security grade: 9

Oakland Athletics

Closer: Brad Ziegler

Next in line: Santiago Casilla, Andrew Bailey

Other possibilities: Michael Wuertz, Jerry Blevins

Disabled list: Joey Devine

Ziegler is once again the man in Oakland. He has four saves in five chances, and he hasn't allowed a run since April 11. Despite some evidence that his 2008 run was the result of some good fortune and the league's unfamiliarity with him, he's right back at it.

He has walked four in his last 6 1/3 innings; control wasn't a big problem last year. No reason to worry yet, though. He has pitched to contact (with a .311 BABIP) and has still limited baserunners. Ride the train again.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 9 (last week: 8)

Philadelphia Phillies

Closer: Brad Lidge

Next in line: Ryan Madson

Other possibilities: Chad Durbin

It turns out Lidge (knee) has some inflammation in his right knee - the one he had surgically repaired twice before the 2008 season. The Phils are calling him day-to-day. He had an MRI last week, but that bit of info wasn't revealed until Monday, April 27.

Lidge said he first began feeling discomfort in the joint in the club's April 10-12 series against the Colorado Rockies, and it gradually worsened. Really? That long ago? Thanks for sharing. It doesn't sound serious, but without further information, go into protect mode.

Scoop up Madson, who nailed down Monday's win with 97 mph heat, immediately, especially if you own Lidge. Madson will be Philly's man for at least a couple of days, and probably longer.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 10

Seattle Mariners

Closer: Brandon Morrow

Next in line: David Aardsma

Other possibilities: Chad Cordero, Mark Lowe, Shawn Kelley, Miguel Batista

Since his first appearance, April 7, Morrow (shoulder) hasn't had many issues. With his results, at least.

Morrow has been dealing with shoulder stiffness in the past few days. The righty cast it as a common issue for all pitchers and says he isn't worried. Manager Don Wakamatsu hopes it's just another case where Morrow needed a couple of days off. The closer should remain in your lineup.

Just more evidence that Morrow isn't out of the woods. Aardsma (2.08 ERA, eight K's in 8 2/3 innings) remains valuable for the occasional save in deep leagues. He needs to rein in that control (six walks), though.

Durability grade: 7 (last week: 8)

Job security grade: 9

St. Louis Cardinals

Closer: Ryan Franklin

Next in line: Kyle McClellan

Other possibilities: Chris Perez, Jason Motte, Dennys Reyes

"Closer" is a dirty word in St. Louis, but Franklin is doing his best to clean things up. He has six saves in six chances. You can bet that manager Tony La Russa has found his comfort level.

Perez (four straight scoreless outings, six K's in his last three innings) and Motte (five straight scoreless appearances) have been very effective in their non-closer roles. There's no question they have more raw talent and potential in the peripherals, but they have a lot to prove. Each is worth stashing in deep leagues, but address other needs if you must.

Durability grade: 10

Job security grade: 6

Toronto Blue Jays

Closer: Scott Downs

Next in line: Jesse Carlson

Other possibilities: Jason Frasor, Jeremy Accardo

Disabled list: B.J. Ryan

Ryan (shoulder) hit the DL last week. Behind-the-scenes drama suggests that the Jays might have been ready to remove him from the closer's role until he righted himself. Ryan apparently wasn't happy. He might not have been very forthcoming with the injury, either. He's scheduled to visit a specialist this week.

Downs (0.84 ERA, 14 K's, no walks in 10 2/3 innings) has nailed down two with relative ease since the transaction. This situation is pretty simple: Those who jumped on Downs may have themselves a closer for the rest of the season. Ryan is stashable in the short term; his long-term value depends on what happens in the coming days.

Durability grade: 8

Job security grade: 8

Washington Nationals

Closer: N/A

Next in line: Julian Tavarez, Kip Wells

Other possibilities: Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Mock, Jason Bergmann

Disabled list: Joe Beimel

Hanrahan blows them in grand fashion: The right-hander served up a big salami in the eighth Monday, April 27, to surrender the lead to the Philadelphia Phillies. He was charged with three of the runs (in one-third of an inning) in the six-run frame. "I feel like I let everybody down," he said afterward.

He did. That's his third blown save of the young year. Hanrahan was wild (15 pitches, six strikes). He admitted that he avoided attacking hitters because of how often the ball was leaving the yard (seven between both teams) throughout the game. A closer shouldn't have such doubts.

Here's the interesting thing: Mock, who was on right before Hanrahan, shouldered as much of the blame as he could. "I put [Hanraham] in a tight spot, because he probably had a good 30 or 40 seconds to get loose. So it was on me tonight."

This 'pen has infinite issues. That's why the club is going to a committee. Tavarez and Wells are the two most deserving of a shot, so the Nats will turn there first. That might only last until Biemel (hip) returns from the disabled list, which could be Wednesday, May 6. They're the best bets for fantasy owners? Ugh. You may dump your Nats relievers and wait for a pattern.

Durability grade: N/A

Job security grade: N/A