2010 NL Closer Status Report

The 2010 National League Closer Status Report is now up. Check it out to see who are the new closers in town and who their back-ups are.

National League Closer Depth Chart

Gregg Out As Cubs Closer

After another poor outing, Kevin Gregg has lost his job as Cubs closer. The final straw came during last night's game in San Diego. Gregg was attempting to preserve a 1-0 Cubs lead, but gave up a three run home run to Kyle Blanks, and then allowed another run to score later in the inning, costing the Cubs a win. After the game Cubs Manager Lou Pinella said that changes were coming in the Chicago bullpen. Gregg who has earned 23 saves on the season, has also blown 6 saves and allowed 12 Home Runs in 56.2 innings. He is likely to slide into a set up role. Two relievers from the Chicago bullpen are candidates to move into the closer's role. The first is familiar name, Carlos Marmol (65% owned in Yahoo Leagues). Marmol, who closed some for the Cubs last year, has terrific raw stuff, but has struggled with his control this season (he's walked 52 in 56 innings). The other possibility is Angel Guzman (3% owned in Yahoo Leagues). Guzman has been the Cubs most consistent reliever, with a 2.42 ERA, .98 WHIP, and 39:15 K:BB ratio. Manager Lou Pinella has not officially named a replacement, but odds are that Marmol, because of his closing experience, gets the first chance to close games. If he's available, Marmol is the guy to target. However, be ready to pounce on Guzman if Marmol struggles.

DL Saves: Jason Frasor

The Toronto Blue Jays have put their closer Scott Downs on the DL. This opens the door for Jason Frasor to vulture some saves. For the season, Frasor's ERA is 2.09 and he has a 0.98 WHIP. Good numbers. Frasor has filled in as closer before and did well. No reason to think different this time around. This could be a nice pickup for your team if you need some saves as Toronto is not going to rush Downs back. Frasor is readily available in most leagues, but won't be for long. Regardless of your league type, if you need saves, Frasor should be a solid (albeit temporary) addition. -Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Sherrill Traded to the Dodgers, Jim Johnson to Close

Baltimore closer George Sherill was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers today for two minor league prospects. Sherrill, who had been enjoying a terrific season for Baltimore (20 Sv, 39 K's in 41.1 innings), will see his fantasy value evaporate as he slides into a set up roll in Los Angeles. Jim Johnson (6% owned in Yahoo Leagues) is the likely replacement in Baltimore, and is worthy of an add in all formats. Scout C.P. Staley

Another Week of Wilson

It looks like CJ Wilson will be the closer for the Rangers for another week. Francisco is eligible to come off of the DL but he has pneumonia. Wilson has shown himself to be reliable in the role, so there is no need for Texas to hurry Francisco back. With that said, there is no light at the end of the CJ Wilson tunnel, he will not be the closer when Francisco is healthy. This will not be a magic pickup that will carry you through the playoffs (barring injuries of course) So until Francisco is fully healthy Wilson is a good source of cheap saves. Looks like you'll get a week out of him. -Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Get An Insurance Policy on Broxton's Big Toe

Jonathan Broxton has been one of the best closers in baseball so far this season. But all is not well for the young reliever. Broxton has an irritated nerve in his big toe that causes discomfort when pitching. According to Joe Torre, Broxton's toe will continue to be a problem for the rest of the season. Broxton missed several games near the middle of June to treat his ailing toe (he received a cortisone shot and rest). Since his return on June 20th, Broxton has earned 4 saves but posted a 10.57 era and 1.95 WHIP in 7 2/3 innings. The All-Star break may give Broxton the extra rest he needs to get himself healthy. Still, Torre's comments are far from reassuring. Looking ahead, the man to add is Ramon Troncoso (14% owned in Yahoo, 3% owned in ESPN). Troncoso is having a solid season in the Dodgers bullpen, and is next in line for saves. He should be added as insurance for Broxton owners, or as a speculative add for those searching for saves.

Updated Closer Status Reports

American League Staus report National League Status report

Lindstrom to DL, Meyer Picks Up Save

Lefty Dan Meyer picked up the first save of his career Wednesday night, closing out the Marlins 5-2 win over Baltimore. Meyer got the save chance because Florida's regular closer, Matt Lindstrom, was placed on the disabled list with a right elbow sprain. Lindstrom could be out up to 1 month with the injury. With Lindstrom out, several relievers could be in line for save chances in Florida. Leo Nunez is the best bet for saves initially. He's been Florida's set up man this season, and has gotten save chances when Lindstrom was unavailable. Nunez is widely available (13% owned in Yahoo Leagues, 4% owned in ESPN leagues) so grab him if you're looking for saves. Meyer, along with Kiko Calero, and Brian Sanches are names to remember, as they will be in the mix for saves if Nunez struggles.

Lidge placed on DL, Madson to Close

The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Brad Lidge on the disabled list today with a sprained right knee. Lidge has blown save chances in each of his last two outings, and has struggled throughout the season. Lidge is currently 0-3 with 13 Saves, 6 Blown Saves, a 7.27 ERA, and a 1.81 WHIP. The Phillies will monitor Lidge's progress over the next week in hopes that his knee improves. The injury is not considered serious, so Lidge should be able to return once he's eligible to come off the DL. Ryan Madson, is next in line for saves in Philadelphia. Madson is having a terrific season (2.22 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 31 K's in 28 innings pitched) and is widely available ( 80% of Yahoo Leagues and more than 90% of ESPN leagues). Madson's peripheral numbers, plus short term save potential, make him a must add while Lidge is on the shelf.

MacDougal in, Hanrahan out as Nationals's Closer

The closer carousel continues in Washington: Mike MacDougal has been named the new closer for the Washington Nationals. MacDougal takes over for Joel Hanrahan, who lost the job after consecutive poor performances on Thursday and Friday. MacDougal started the season with the Chicago White Sox. but pitched poorly, and was eventually released. Washington, desperate for bullpen help, quickly signed MacDougal and gave him an opportunity in the bullpen. Since signing with the Nationals on May 3rd, MacDougal has appeared in 4 games, pitching 2 innings, with no runs allowed, 3 K's and 1 BB. Be warned though, his overall numbers are ugly (7 IP, 7.71 ERA, 2.46 WHIP). Given how volatile the closer's gig is in Washington, it's risky to put much faith in any Nationals closer. Still, MacDougal has the job (for now), and has had success as a closer in the past. He saved 27 games for Kansas City in 2003 and 21 games in 2005. MacDougal is widely available (owned in under 1% of Yahoo Leagues), and is worth adding if you're desperate for saves. As for Hanrahan, he's already lost and regained the closer's job once, and it's not out of the question that he'll get another shot at it this season. If you can spare the bench spot, hang on to him until it looks like MacDougal has a firm grip on the job.

The Closer Report: May 21, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 8

Franklin, Hoffman and Fuentes join the leaders at 11 saves

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

The saves slowed down a bit today, but there was still plenty of action. Ryan Franklin continues to relish his new role as St. Louis's closer. He got his 11th save of the season tonight and has the numbers to back it up. Overall Franklin has a tiny 1.53 ERA and an even smaller WHIP of 0.81. He has clearly surprised everyone and has so far been one of the the top waiver pickup of 2009.

Fernando Rodney started slow this year, but of late has been on fire. He has scored saves in 3 straight games and now has 8 saves on the season. He had a bit of a rocky inning tonight, but held the Rangers scoreless and secured the 4-3 win.

Mariano Rivera recorded his second save of the week, but has had a slow month of May with only 4 saves. He easily dispatched Orioles to get his 9th save of the season.

Joel Hanrahan came back as the closer for Washington and pitched a great inning for his 4th save. He struck out two and gave up a hit in one of his best performances of the year. While Manny Acta hasn't formally announced that Hanrahan is the closer, he made a statement today by not having any faith in Kip Wells to close out the 9th. Wells was rested and hadn't pitched since May 18th. If you held on to Hanrahan as I did, you got your closer back. Hopefully, crazy Manny could change that.

The lone blown save for the day goes to Brian Wilson of the Giants. Heath Bell came into a 1-1 tie in the 9th and gave up his first run of the season and looked to take the loss. Wilson however doubled up Bell and took the loss along with the blown save. In all 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Bell was hammered in his first bad outing of the season and was lucky to get away with only giving up one run thanks to a slow Bengie Molina. He gave up 4 hits in the innings. He officially has a ERA, although its a microscopic 0.50.

Other appearances:
Brian Fuentes (11) - Fuentes is hot with 7 saves in May.

Chad Qualls (10) Getting chances with good starting pitching of lately.

Trevor Hoffman (11) - He is on a tear and he started the season on the DL.

Jonathan Papelbon. Francona wanted to sweep Toronto bad and he used Paps to guarantee it.

Brad Ziegler - Took the loss by giving up a run on 2 hits and a walk. He did not record an out.

The Closer Report: May 20, 2009

Saves: 14

Save Opportunities: 14

13 save day for fantasy baseball, Bell and Broxton continue hot streaks

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

I thought yesterday was a great day for closers, but today was amazing. 14 of the 17 games were saved and there wasn't one blown save.

To start, Kerry Wood rebounded from his disastrous blown save yesterday, but didn't make it easy on himself. He walked the bases loaded before striking out Teahen and DeJesus to end the game. Watching this game I felt he got lucky. Teahen and Dejesus were over anxious and swung at a OK cutter and some nasty curveballs pitches. This will go down as a bad outing as far as management is concerned.

Matt Lindstrom pitched in both games of a doubleheader and recorded 1 save. He preserved the 8-6 win in game one with a perfect inning and a strikeout. He had the exact same performance in game 2, but came in with a tie score. Lindstrom looked outstanding today. He commanded all his pitches and looked like the closer we expected him to be.

Back in the American League, Brad Ziegler made his first save appearance since his bout with the flu. He looked fine pitching a perfect inning and striking out one batter. Hopefully Ziegler gets his job back after this great performance. Don't go dropping Andrew Bailey so fast. Bailey pitched two innings yesterday, and another inning on May 17th. I figure he was getting rested and Ziegler got the call. Since the A's want Ziegler at closer he should get his job back, but he will be on a short list.

Broxton and Bell continued there race of dominance bothing getting their 11th save. Bell was perfect again with 2 strikeouts, while Broxton gave up an hit and oddly didn't strikeout anyone. Easily one of these guys will be my #1 closer on Sunday.

Matt Capps and Mariano Rivera notched their 8th save of the season. Capps had a clean inning, but Rivera had to go 1.1 innings and gave up a home run to rookie Nolan Reimold.

Another significant save was David Aarsdma. He notched his fifth save of the season with a easy inning. The thing to worry about is Brandon Morrow has yet to pitch since he lost the closer job. The manager said he was going to get Morrow in quickly so he doesn't rust and he even warmed up during the Red Sox series. Hopefully this has to do with tight games and nothing to do with injury.

Chris Sampson recorded his 2nd save of the season securing a 6-4 win. He's been closing games for LaTroy Hawkins who is day-to-day with a sore hip. I wouldn't go cutting Hawkins or even picking up Sampson. He's been solid this year, but Hawkins could be back sooner then later. If you have a free roster spot, pick him up for a few possible saves.

Other Saves -

Fernando Rodney (7) - Two straight days with a save.

Ryan Franklin (10) - get hammered for an ER and a WHIP of 3.00. Still, his ERA is 1.56.

Bobbie Jenks (9) - Great performance, lowered his ERA to 2.57 on the season.

Jon Rausch (1) - Came in to save the 11-8 game in the 13thinng. He gave up a solo home run against Dan Uggla and besides that pitched well. Qualls wasn't avaible after pitching the 11th and 12th innings for the win.

The Closer Report: May 19, 2009

Saves: 8

Save Opportunities: 9

Wood gets whacked, Papelbon and Broxton look strong

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

May 18th was a great days for closers. 8 out of 9 games were successfully closed out today. The only blown save goes to Kerry Wood who after giving up back-to-back home runs to Mike Jacobs and Mark Teahen refused to gather it together and get the final two outs. In all Wood gave up 4ER on 3 hits and a walk.

I warned people about Kerry Wood. Wood's problem is he thinks he is Jonathan Papelbon. He thinks batters fear him or at least don't look forward to facing him. When they face Wood, they respect him, but don't fear any part of him. His slider has to break and break hard in the zone. When that isn't happening hitters sit on his soft 94-95 MPH. Expect more of these types of outings from Wood. You should have Lewis in your scopes. He isn't doing well either, and that is probably one reason Wood wasn't relieved.

In other outings, Broxton shutdown the Mets with a perfect innings and a K. Papelbon closed out a big win for the Red Sox, 2-1. He dominated the Blue Jays in the same fashion and striking out Adam Lind in the process.

Trevor Hoffman and Chad Qualls continued there hot starts with saves. Hoffman recorded save 10 with a perfect inning. Qualls has been one of the bigger surprises at closer in 2009. He nailed his 9th save on 2 Ks and lowered his ERA to 2.40.

Brian Fuentes entered a 6-5 game against the Mariners and pulled out his 10th save in outstanding fashion by striking out all three batters.

Finally, Heath Bell kept pace with Broxton notching his 10th save in another perfect inning. Bell has been the best closer overall in 2009. He has pitched 16 perfect innings, 18 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.80. I'm sure Sabermetrics guys are digesting all those numbers, and I will state that the day Sabermetrics can tell me that Heath Bell will do what he's doing, I'll say sign me!

One more note, Fernando Rodney and BJ Ryan both made appearances. Ryan gave up a couple of hits, but no runs. Rodney pitched a perfect inning.

Francisco out this weekend, could be DL bound.

Texas Rangers' closer Frank Francisco, who hasn't pitched since April 29th, will likely be out until early next week. Francisco, who has 9 saves, 13:4 K:BB ratio, and sparkling 0.00 ERA, has been battling biceps tendinitis recently, and may ultimately end up on the disabled list. C.J. Wilson, (owned in 4% of Yahoo Leagues), is next in line for the save chances, and is worth a short term add. Scout C.P. Staley

Temporary Saves

The Seattle Mariners have placed Brandon Morrow on the DL and will be there until May 9th. The guy who will step up, who you should pick up, is David Aardsma. He already has 3 saves on the year and has been extremely effective. He has pitched 9 innings and has 8 Ks, an ERA of 1.93, and a WHIP just over 1. It's doubtful that he will keep the closer role when Morrow is reactivated, but until then he should get you some saves for you and you never know. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Street Named Closer...Again

Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed that Huston Street will once again serve as Colorado's closer. This marks the second time in a month that Colorado Rockies has changed closers. Street opened the season with the job, but quickly lost it to Manuel Corpas. For his part, Corpas struggled in the closer's role, posting an 0-2 record with 2 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched. During that time, Street pitched fairly well, earning 1 save and 1 hold to go along with 8 strikeouts in 6.7 innings. Still, Corpas lost the job without pitching in a save situation. Street will see most of the save chances for now, but hang on to Corpas, as this should continue to be a fluid situation. Scout C.P. Staley

Hanrahan and Mock Are Out

When you struggle for a period of time, you will be pulled, even on the Nationals. Garrett Mock had a small chance as closer and blew it, Hanrahan (who was fairly solid last year) has struggled mightily and has now been pulled as the closer for the Washington Nationals. If you own Hanrahan, this is good news since he won't hurt your fantasy team anymore. All signs indicate that Joe Beimel will be the new closer after his DL stint. The Nationals have been good enough to win games at the plate, so Beimel might just have some value. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Valverde Earns Save; May Miss Time With Calf Injury

Despite earning his second save of the season on Sunday, Jose Valverde may miss up to a week due to a calf injury. Valverde reportedly felt pain with every pitch he threw on Sunday as he worked through lingering calf soreness. He originally suffered the injury while closing out Houston's win over the Dodgers on April 21st. He has struggled in two appearances since then, blowing a save on Saturday, then fighting through pain Sunday. Right now it appears that Valverde will be back towards the end of the week, but this is a situation to monitor. LaTroy Hawkins makes for a good speculative add, as he is next in line for saves in Houston.

Nationals Closer Change?

The Washington Nationals are fed up with their bullpen. The struggles are highlighted by closer Joel Hanrahan, who has no saves (but two blown saves) and sporting a 9.0 ERA. Mike Rizzo has made a flurry of moves, with one of particular interest - Garrett Mock. Garrett Mock was being used as a closer in the minors and may just get that chance in the majors with the struggles of Hanrahan and the rest of the pen. His minor league stats aren't eye popping, but 46 Ks in 41 Innings is not too bad. His ERA is a very average 4.17. Nothing official has been announced yet, but it's possible that he could be announced as the closer as soon as Monday. Keep a close eye on this situation and be ready to grab Mock if you need a closer. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Hot Coffey

By Todd Gold ProFantasyBaseball.com With MLB's All-Time Saves Leader Trevor Hoffman on the 15-day DL with a strained oblique the Brewers came into 2009 with plans for Carlos Villanueva to serve as the interim closer. Two weeks into the season Villanueva has allowed 6 runs through 6 innings and has taken two losses and blown a save. While it is early to panic, now does seem like a good time for the Brew Crew to start thinking about a Plan B. Enter veteran right hander Todd Coffey. Coffey isn't exactly your prototypical closer, as the 28 year-old righty works primarily off a sinker-slider combo and tops out at around 94 MPH. Coffey is not exactly a strikeout king, with a career 6.09 K/9, but his improved control has caused a steady increase in his groundball%, which currently sits at an astounding 78.9% so far this season (up from his solid, steadily climbing 53.9% career average). Coffey isn't the long-term solution to close out games in Milwaukee, but today Brewers Manager Ken Macha went with the hot hand, and none has been hotter than Coffey. By picking up the 6 out save today against a stacked Mets lineup, Coffey has now thrown 9 shutout innings to start the season, and still is yet to allow a run in 16 1/3 scoreless innings since coming over to the Brewers at the trade deadline last season. If your looking for a temporary fix of saves and can spare the roster spot Coffey may be a guy worth owning, especially if you have Trevor Hoffman on your DL. Hoffman is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment later this week, and if all goes well, could potentially be back as soon as next Sunday, meaning that Coffey would only be a one week pickup for now. Pay close attention to Hoffman when he does return, if he can't stay healthy and effective, Coffey will be a name to keep in the back of your mind. Coffey has added value for leagues that use the Holds category. Todd Gold is a first-year professional baseball scout and sports junkie who enjoys taking his friends' hard-earned money in fantasy leagues and helping his readers do the same. You can contact him here.

Franklin picks up save, uncertainty in St. Louis continues

Ryan Franklin picked up his first save of the season for St. Louis on Monday. Franklin is the 4th Cardinals pitcher to receive a save chance this season, joining Kyle McClellan, Dennys Reyes, and Jason Motte. The closer's role is still very much up for grabs in St. Louis, though Franklin could be the best bet for saves for now. He has the most experience of anyone on the St. Louis staff- he closed out games for the Cardinals for part of last season. Still, Franklin is far from a sure thing. He was inconsistent as the St. Louis closer last year, and ultimately lost the job. Franklin is worth adding for now, but be aware: the question of who's closing for St. Louis is far from answered.