Time To Pick-Up Perez

The preseason favorite for the St. Louis Cardinals closer job was 23-year-old right-hander Chris Perez, and though he didn't get the opening day job, his time should be coming. Chris Perez is the long awaited anointed closer since being drafted in the first round out of the University of Miami. He went on to dominate the minor leagues as a closer posting 61 saves and 2.71 ERA while blowing away 151 batters in 113.1 innings.

Perez's rookie year wasn't as dominating, but it was an overall success when you consider he was just 22-years-old. He had 7 saves, 6 holds, a 3.46 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 41.2 innings. Those are very solid numbers. He did blow 4 saves and was still a bit green, and thus some questions coming into Spring Training 2009.

Enter the sore shoulder of Chris Perez and then the sudden ascension of Jason Motte and suddenly Perez fell of the fantasy radar. Motte come onto the scene, coming back after Tommy John Surgery, and lit it up in Spring Training. Perez was subsequently sent down to AAA to rest and rehab while Motte was given his shot to close. The only problem was, it was Spring Training! SPLAT! Who is to blame? Manager Tony La Russa? Maybe. Overzealous fantasy mangers and writers? Probably. What is the result of all this other than a wasted late draft pick? Ryan Franklin. Aye Carumba.

In every disaster there is an opportunity. The time to pick-up Chris Perez is now. If you are in any need of saves, this could be your chance of getting a player who is considered the top closing prospect in baseball. If he can stay healthy he could be one of the better in baseball for awhile.

Sin City Scout

Cardinals Closer Role Undecided

The fight continues in St. Louis for who will be named opening day closer. If the winner holds the job and has a good season he could have very nice fantasy value at a bargain price. Jason Motte, Josh Kinney, Chris Perez and Ryan Franklin are all in the battle. Perez was the early favorite, but has dropped back due to a shoulder injury while Jason Motte, on the other hand, is having an excellent Spring Training: 8+ IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 13 K with 4 saves. At 26 Motte may need some more experience, but he has been dominant….in Spring Training. Perez will be out for a few days to undergo tests on his right shoulder. Long shot Josh Kinney has been very solid: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 9 K with 2 saves, but the 29-year-old is returning from Tommy John surgery and closing may be a year away. Ryan Franklin is the fall-back guy and is a better set-up pitcher, though he does have value in a league that gives points for hold. Jason Motte’s value now surpasses that of Perez, but Perez may still has better long-term value as Motte is unproven. Sin City Scout