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Mets | Frank Francisco's job not safe

New York Mets RP Frank Francisco's hold on the closer role heading into spring training is not firm, with the club looking for more bullpen help after adding RPs Scott Atchison and LaTroy Hawkins recently. The remaining options for the Mets are free-agent RP Jose Valverde (Tigers), Brian Wilson (Giants), Brandon Lyon (Blue Jays) and Francisco Rodriguez (Brewers). Valverde and Rodriguez are both represented by Scott Boras, and New York has made it clear that they won't overpay for another bullpen piece. General manager Sandy Alderson has made it clear that he is not committed to using Francisco as the primary closer this season. Alderson even went as far as saying he isn't "terribly comfortable" with Francisco being the opening day closer.

Fantasy Tip: Clearly, the Mets aren't happy with settling for Francisco as their closer for the year. All indications are that they will create as much competition for the ninth-inning role in spring training as possible. Whether it be Bobby Parnell, Hawkins or an outside candidate, the role won't be defined anytime soon. Consider Francisco a low-end closing option in your draft, and if you wind up with him on your roster, it would be smart to handcuff him to another closing option in New York's bullpen.

2013-02-01 12:06:52 | Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo

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