The next Mets closer?

Greetings to all 16 of my faithful blog readers. I haven't seen you in over a month, but I have resurfaced from underneath my rock of behind-the-scenes activities here at KFFL and would like to rejoin the real world.

I won't waste anymore time on foreplay. Let's get to the juicy stuff.

Will a sleeper emerge from the swamp known as the Mets bullpen? Luis Ayala's spotless Queens ERA is somewhat lost among the Mets' late-inning agita. He started off the year in terrible fashion, compiling a 5.77 ERA in 57 2/3 innings with the Nationals as reports blamed overuse for his struggles. The first four innings in his new digs have been nearly flawless - one hit allowed, a 0.25 WHIP and a .077 batting average against.

Sure, predicting which Met closes out each game since Billy Wagner's (elbow) exit equates to a kick to the face from Cuban taekwondo athlete Angel Matos, but having backend stability would only increase the Mets' hold on the NL East. Aaron Heilman (9.90 ERA in August) had given up just one base knock in his last four outings before failing to record an out against the two batters he faced Sunday, Aug. 24, while recording a blown save. Lefty specialist Pedro Feliciano stunk up the joint by allowing two solo homers in the 10th inning to suffer the loss in that same game.

Ayala recorded the save Aug. 22 and entered in the ninth inning of the tied game yesterday; the Mets seem willing to trust him in pressure spots. His career 1.23 WHIP and 5.75 strikeouts per nine innings aren't flashy, but with Wagner still out indefinitely, Ayala might be a temporary fix for both the Mets and fantasy owners - especially those who are in close races in the saves category. Grab him on speculation, but don't expect him to solve all your problems unless Manuel turns to him as the sole savior.

Pick 'em up!

• Going back to the Nationals well, second baseman Ronnie Belliard is on quite the run (.500 with three RBIs in the last week) and should be owned in all deep mixed leagues as a middle infielder. I picked him up last week for that roster spot in KFFL's Expert League and haven't regretted it. Just remember to have backup plans if (when, maybe?) he starts slumping again.
• For owners in leagues where D-backs starter Yusmeiro Petit is still on the wire, don't let that last much longer. The big righty has entrenched himself in the Snakes rotation while posting a 2.48 ERA in 40 innings since July 2. He has a 4.50 ERA in 10 '08 innings against the Dodgers, his expected opponent this week, but even if you don't pitch him immediately, the pickup is worth it.
• Another part of the Giants' youth movement, catcher Pablo Sandoval is hitting .458 with two RBIs in the last seven days. The switch-hitter is playing nearly every day since his call-up Aug. 13 as the team has given him time at first base and third base, as well. He's a prime addition for the stretch run in two-catcher and NL-only setups.

Watch list update

Pennant races often change your organizational plan; just ask the Milwaukee Brewers. Management had said they wouldn't bring him up this year, but hyped prospect third baseman Mat Gamel could see time with the Brew Crew in September. The Brewers have not said for sure whether they will bring him up.

He was promoted to Triple-A Nashville for the last week of the season after rattling off a resounding .329-19-96 line at Double-A Huntsville; his defense was weaker than his bat work as he committed a whopping 30 errors at third base.

Platoon mates Bill Hall (.184-0-3) and Craig Counsell (.196-0-3) are having rough Augusts, though, so Milwaukee might be willing to overlook Gamel's glove deficiencies to baptize him by fire while clinging to the Wild Card lead. Gamel is stash-worthy in NL-only setups and should be monitored by deep mixed managers.

The next cub reporter

I'll end with a quick shout-out to KFFL friend Paul Greco of MelnickandGrecoFantasySports.com for reaching the finals of the Gillette MLB Rookie Reporter Showdown. Not only is he competing for an opportunity to broadcast the 2008 World Series, but he also gets to rub elbows with reporter Erin Andrews, the sports blogosphere's resident Aphrodite. No jealousy on this end ... really, none, whatsoever....

Click for more info and remember to vote for Paul often. Knock 'em dead, Paul!

Fantasy titles are decided after the All-Star break. Win yours with KFFL's Fantasy Baseball Weekly Newsletter! The best part: It's FREE!

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