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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.