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With the trade deadline just around the corner, fantasy owners are running out of time to cash in on some soon-to-be setup men.
WARNING: There are a few closers who might find themselves wearing different uniforms by this time next week, some of which will no longer be candidates for saves. Trade with caution. It’s not earth-shattering news by any means, as we’ve been hearing rumors about Huston Street, Brian Fuentes, George Sherrill, and others on the trading block since April. Still, it’s an important reminder to those who have procrastinated that the clock is ticking. If you need more evidence that the hourglass is nearing empty, look no further than the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Jon Rauch earlier this week. My hope is that you’ve been doing your homework and have already sold high on some of these players. If you haven’t, good luck trying -- because it will only get more difficult as the deadline approaches. Why? Well, unless you’re in a league with a bunch of hermits, your league mates will see right through the highway robbery you’re attempting to pull off (especially if/when the information becomes more mainstream). Remember, the team you’re offering Sherrill knows they’re not getting his 29 saves; they’re getting the potential for zero if he winds up a lefty-specialist with the Cards. That said, there’s still a tiny window of opportunity to make a move here. You can always look for an owner in your league that is absolutely desperate for saves, and dangle one of the aforementioned closers in front of him to see if he bites. If that doesn’t work, you could try convincing a Brandon Morrow owner that J.J. Putz is about to regain the role. Prey on the weak, take advantage of people’s doubt. Do whatever you have to do to make sure you’re not left with dead weight. We’ll start off this week’s edition with our newest category, “On the Move”. If you happen to own any of these players, hopefully, both my advice and the links provided can help you make the most informed decision possible. Good luck and Godspeed.
Stats as of July 22, 2008 “On the Move” (players likely to be traded and/or moved out of the closer’s role as the result of a trade) Huston Street, OAK
Rumor has it that the Brewers, Cardinals, White Sox and Dodgers are interested. Street would most likely remain a closer if he heads to Milwaukee or St. Louis, and the Chicago rumors sound more like speculation, as they already have a solid closer and the best pen in baseball. However, there is an intriguing situation over in Los Angeles, as Saito’s season-ending injury has weakened their bullpen. I know I sound wishy-washy here, but it’s really hard to tell. If I had to make a gut call, I’d say keep him.
17-for-22, 43 IP, 42 Ks, 4.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
Next in line: Alan Embree
Third in line: Santiago Casilla George Sherrill, BAL
The Cardinals and Brewers are also in pursuit of Sherrill. If he winds up with the Cards, he’d most likely be used as a left-handed specialist. Although with Jason Isringhausen and Ryan Franklin struggling of late, he could throw himself into the mix for saves. If he lands in Milwaukee, things would get really interesting. Salomón Torres, Eric Gagne, and Sherrill all have closer’s experience, and Ned Yost could presumably give the ball to either of them, depending on matchups. In other words, there are lots of questions marks here.
29-for-35, 41.2 IP, 44 Ks, 3.89 ERA, 1.42 WHIP
Next in line: Jim Johnson
Third in line: Chad Bradford Brian Fuentes, COL
Fuentes is a virtual lock to be traded by the deadline, and it’s almost as much of a lock that he won’t be closing. Reportedly, there are as many as seven teams interested in his services. Sell ASAP.
16-for-20, 37 IP, 37 Ks, 3.32 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Next in line: Manny Corpas
Third in line: Taylor Buchholz Kevin Gregg, FLA
I haven’t heard anything about Gregg getting traded in awhile, but it would be irresponsible of me not to list him here. The Marlins have a bunch of arbitration cases to deal with this off-season and don’t appear to be serious contenders, so it would be in their best interests to shop him.
20-for-26, 47 IP, 38 Ks, 2.49 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Lindstrom
Third in line: Renyel Pinto Dámaso Marte, PIT
Marte’s been a little shaky lately and though there’s no real threat to his job in Pittsburgh, there’s been talk of a possible trade to Boston.
4-for-6, 45.2 IP, 46 Ks, 3.55 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
Next in line: John Grabow
Third in line: Tyler Yates Salomón Torres, MIL
Torres can’t be happy that the Brewers seem to be in the market for just about every available closer. If you’re an owner, you can’t be either.
17-for-21, 52.2 IP, 34 Ks, 2.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Next in line: Eric Gagne
Third in line: Guillermo Mota Ryan Franklin, STL
The Cardinals are looking for bullpen help. Not sure if they’re looking for a closer, but it’s always a possibility.
14-for-18, 46.1 IP, 30 Ks, 3.69 ERA, 1.53 WHIP
Next in line: Jason Isringhausen
Third in line: Russ Springer “On Board” (players I feel confident endorsing as of today) Mariano Rivera, NYY
Still the best in the business.
24-for-24, 44.1 IP, 53 Ks, 1.22 ERA, 0.68 WHIP.
Next in line: Kyle Farnsworth
Third in line: José Veras Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
It seems only fitting that Papelbon earned a five-out save on the same day that the creator of the save died.
29-for-33, 42.1 IP, 51 Ks, 2.34 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
Next in line: Mike Timlin
Third in line: Hideki Okajima Joe Nathan, MIN
Business as usual for Nathan.
27-for-29, 40.2 IP, 46 Ks, 1.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Guerrier
Third in line: Jesse Crain Billy Wagner, NYM
Wagner put a scare into his owners (and Mets fans) earlier this week, when he went for a MRI after feeling shoulder discomfort. The results are in: shoulder’s fine, just a muscle spasm.
24-for-30, 41 IP, 48 Ks, 2.20 ERA, 0.90 WHIP
Next in line: Duaner Sánchez
Third in line: Aaron Heilman Brad Lidge, PHI
Lidge joins Mariano as the only full-time closer yet to blow a save this season.
21-for-21, 41 IP, 56 Ks, 1.10 ERA, 1.10 WHIP
Next in line: Chad Durbin
Third in line: J.C. Romero Francisco Rodríguez, LAA
Bobby Thigpen Watch: K-Rod is currently on pace for 65 saves.
40-for-43, 44 IP, 45 Ks, 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
Next in line: Scot Shields
Third in line: Jose Arredondo Francisco Cordero, CIN
The last week has seen Cordero’s ERA balloon over a full point. It 's been a rough stretch, but I’m not concerned.
20-for-26, 46 IP, 49 Ks, 3.52 ERA, 1.46 WHIP
Next in line: Jeremy Affeldt
Third in line: David Weathers José Valverde, HOU
Six runs in 1/3 of an inning? No way José! His line is starting to look worse and worse each week. I’ll keep him here for now, but he’s got to show some improvement soon.
25-for-31, 46.1 IP, 54 Ks, 4.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP
Next in line: Doug Brocail
Third in line: Geoff Geary Joakim Soria, KC
The “Mexicutioner” rules.
26-for-28, 44 IP, 48 Ks, 1.43 ERA, 0.70 WHIP
Next in line: Ron Mahay
Third in line: Robinson Tejeda Bobby Jenks, CHI (AL)
Jenks threw a scoreless inning in his first appearance since coming off the DL.
18-for-21, 33.1 IP, 20 Ks, 1.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Next in line: Octavio Dotel
Third in line: Scott Linebrink Troy Percival, TB
Percival also threw a scoreless inning in his first action back. The only question now is how long before he goes back on the shelf?
19-for-21, 29 IP, 31 Ks, 3.41 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
Next in line: Dan Wheeler
Third in line: Grant Balfour Trevor Hoffman, SD
Hoffman got himself into a jam against the Reds this past Monday, but escaped with the save after striking out Jay Bruce with the bases loaded.
18-for-21, 29.1 IP, 35 Ks, 4.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP
Next in line: Heath Bell
Third in line: Cla Meredith Brandon Lyon, ARI
Lyon’s job is looking less secure by the day. Never mind the struggles, he’s now got Jon Rauch in his rearview mirror.
20-for-24, 39.2 IP, 28 Ks, 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
Next in line: Jon Rauch
Third in line: Chad Qualls B.J. Ryan, TOR
If you drafted Ryan, you’re looking like a genius right now.
18-for-20, 32.2 IP, 34 Ks, 2.76 ERA, 1.22 WHIP
Next in line: Scott Downs
Third in line: Jesse Carlson Brian Wilson, SF
Apparently, Wilson’s got a 150 IQ and he can levitate. Perhaps he should use some of his “brain power” to get some 1-2-3 innings.
25-for-27, 38.1 IP, 41 Ks, 4.93 ERA, 1.57 WHIP
Next in line: Tyler Walker
Third in line: Keiichi Yabu Jonathan Broxton, LAD
Pay no attention to Broxton’s career save percentage; he’ll be just fine as Dodger’s closer.
2-for-7, 41.2 IP, 49 Ks, 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
Next in line: Hong-Chih Kuo
Third in line: Joe Beimel C.J. Wilson, TEX
Okay, so I’ve moved him up. Look, Eddie Guardado is a candidate to be moved and there’s no one else left to close games in Texas. Plus, Ron Washington has shown that he’ll stick with Wilson through his ups and downs. I wouldn’t want him on my team, but if you’re in need of saves and he’s available, you have to use him.
23-for-25, 42.1 IP, 37 Ks, 4.89 ERA, 1.56 WHIP
Next in line: Eddie Guardado
Third in line: Frank Francisco "On the Fence” (players who I can’t endorse or condemn at the moment, based on short-term performance, questions surrounding job security, and/or unknown injury status) Todd Jones, DET
I’m still waiting for someone to step up and wrestle this job away from Jones. It just hasn’t happened.
18-for-20, 37.2 IP, 13 Ks, 4.78 ERA, 1.57 WHIP
Next in line: Fernando Rodney
Third in line: Joel Zumaya Brandon Morrow, SEA
From a strict baseball standpoint (no money/loyalty issues involved), the Mariners have no reason not to let Morrow finish the year as closer. Putz is back though, so let’s give it a week or two before making a determination.
9-for-11, 31.2 IP, 42 Ks, 1.71 ERA, 0.85 WHIP
Next in line: J.J. Putz
Third in line: Sean Green Mike Gonzalez, ATL
Rafael Soriano is back, but Gonzalez has done nothing to lose the job. Let’s see how Bobby Cox handles this one before giving him the thumbs up.
4-for-4, 12.2 IP, 16 Ks, 2.84 ERA, 0.63 WHIP
Next in line: Rafael Soriano
Third in line: Blaine Boyer Joel Hanrahan/Luis Ayala/Saul Rivera, WAS
I’d probably lean towards Hanrahan if you want to take a chance on any of these guys, but I can’t make any promises. “On Your Team?????” Masa Kobayashi, CLE
He won’t get many chances and will blow a few when he does, so I can’t recommend him as roster-worthy unless you’re in a really deep league – like a 30-team league with four RP slots per team.
6-for-8, 46.1 IP, 31 Ks, 3.30 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Next in line: Rafael Betancourt
Third in line: Rafael Pérez “On the Shelf” (self-explanatory) Kerry Wood, CHI (NL)
Technically, he's not on the DL (as of this writing), but is out of action until his blisters heal. Supposedly, the Cubs have found the cure.
24-for-29, 44.2 IP, 55 Ks, 3.02 ERA, 1.01 WHIP
Next in line: Carlos Mármol
Third in line: Bob Howry Matt Capps, PIT
Like I said last week, I can’t see why Pittsburgh would want him to come back this season. I suppose it could happen, but it just doesn’t make sense.
17-for-22, 40.1 IP, 29 Ks, 3.12 ERA, 1.07 WHIP Takashi Saito, LAD
Stick a fork in him.
17-for-20, 41.1 IP, 53 Ks, 2.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP If you’re able to get something in return for any of these closers (before they make the transition from ninth to seventh or eighth-inning duty, of course), I want to hear about it. Send me an email at
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and I’ll tout your skills in a future column.
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