Stoppers who were supposed to be on the move stayed put, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been plenty of movement within the closer ranks. Okay, first order of business -- let's all have a laugh over how wrong my projections were last week! On second thought, let's not and say we did. I'll say just one more thing about it. Regardless of the fact that George Sherrill and Brian Fuentes stayed put, I still had them pegged as closers. In the grand scheme of things (okay, just for fantasy purposes), does it really matter what uniform they're wearing? I say no, rendering my predictions unimportant at best, and irrelevant to the current discussion (you like how I just kissed that off, don’t ya?) So, the trading deadline came and went, and little changed with regard to closers (Dámaso Marte and Jon Rauch were the exceptions). That doesn’t mean things haven’t changed since. In the last week, we’ve seen a one-time elite closer enter into a timeshare, another head to the DL with forearm issues, a veteran closer regain the role after his replacement was sent down to the minors, and a converted starter return from the DL to close again (I’m leaving out their names purposely, so that you continue to read on). What does this all mean? Well, it means we may see a few new faces garnering saves over the next week or so, perhaps for the rest of the season. Can somebody say waiver wire? That’s right, closers out there for the taking on August 8, 2008. I told you saves weren’t that hard to find. For those new to the Pecking Order, here’s a quick recap on what the categories below actually mean. If I'm "On Board" with a closer, it means that player is a safe bet to accumulate saves for the rest of the season. It also means that at this point, you don't really need to make alternative plans. If I'm "On the Fence" about a player, I'm admitting how much I don't know about that particular situation. These players may continue to rack up saves through September, or they might not. It's usually a result of managers who can't make up their mind. If a player is "On the Ledge," that means it's time to make a move. Players "On the Ledge" are this close to losing their gig, and I'm basically predicting they will. My advice is sell high (dangle those with high save totals to owners desperate for saves), or cut bait and find a replacement ASAP. Of course, these recommendations, for the most part, only apply to those still in contention for their leagues’ saves category. If you find yourself out of the race for saves, you'll have your best chance of acquiring something of value by trading the players I'm "On Board" with. For those in keeper leagues... well, you probably aren’t keeping closers anyway. On the off-chance you do intend to keep a closer, you’re obviously into paying for saves. And that’s okay. It’s just not something I’d ever suggest. Now, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this here column. Stats as of August 6, 2008 “On Board”  | | The all-time standard by which closers are judged by. Photo Credit: Googie Man |
Mariano Rivera, NYY
Mo’s been dealing with back issues lately, but there’s no reason for concern.
26-for-26, 48.1 IP, 58 Ks, 1.49 ERA, 0.72 WHIP
Next in line: Jose Veras
Third in line: Dámaso Marte Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
Papelbon’s 103 career saves leave him one shy of tying Dick Radatz for second most in the Red Sox record books.
31-for-35, 48.1 IP, 57 Ks, 2.05 ERA, 0.87 WHIP
Next in line: Justin Masterson
Third in line: Mike Timlin George Sherrill, BAL
Sherrill hasn't been that good since May, but saves are saves.
31-for-37, 47.1 IP, 50 Ks, 4.23 ERA, 1.48 WHIP
Next in line: Jim Johnson
Third in line: Chad Bradford Joe Nathan, MIN
Nathan has people believing the Twins can win their division.
30-for-33, 46.1 IP, 50 Ks, 1.17 ERA, 0.91 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Guerrier
Third in line: Jesse Crain Brad Lidge, PHI
Lidge is still perfect in saves on the season. I think it's safe to say he's back.
28-for-28, 48 IP, 63 Ks, 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
Next in line: Chad Durbin
Third in line: J.C. Romero Francisco Rodríguez, LAA
K-Rod blew a save this past week, but it’s just a bump in the road on the way to history.
45-for-49, 48.2 IP, 51 Ks, 2.40 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
Next in line: Scot Shields
Third in line: Jose Arredondo Francisco Cordero, CIN
Cordero is one save away from 200 in his career.
22-for-28, 49.1 IP, 54 Ks, 3.28 ERA, 1.46 WHIP
Next in line: David Weathers
Third in line: Jeremy Affeldt José Valverde, HOU
Valverde hasn’t had a save opportunity since July 28, but has thrown three scoreless innings, striking out five since.
27-for-33, 51.1 IP, 59 Ks, 4.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Next in line: Doug Brocail
Third in line: Geoff Geary Joakim Soria, KC
Soria's amazing season continues.
32-for-34, 51.2 IP, 54 Ks, 1.57 ERA, 0.75 WHIP
Next in line: Ron Mahay
Third in line: Robinson Tejeda Bobby Jenks, CHI (AL)
Jenks is a perfect 4-for-4 in saves since coming off the DL after the All-Star break.
22-for-25, 39.1 IP, 22 Ks, 2.06 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
Next in line: Octavio Dotel
Third in line: Matt Thornton Troy Percival, TB Percival blew his first save since May 13 this past Sunday.
24-for-27, 35.2 IP, 33 Ks, 3.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
Next in line: Dan Wheeler
Third in line: Grant Balfour Kevin Gregg, FLA
Despite an ugly K/BB ratio, Fredi Gonzalez' confidence in Gregg has never wavered.
24-for-30, 52 IP, 44 Ks, 2.42 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Lindstrom
Third in line: Renyel Pinto Salomón Torres, MIL
It's pretty amazing that Torres may save 30-35 games this season. It's even more amazing that someone recommended him back in May.
21-for-25, 57.1 IP, 40 Ks, 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
Next in line: Eric Gagne
Third in line: Guillermo Mota Trevor Hoffman, SD
Hoffman hasn't blown a save since June 1.
23-for-26, 34.1 IP, 38 Ks, 4.46 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
Next in line: Heath Bell
Third in line: Cla Meredith Brandon Lyon, ARI
In eight appearances since the All-Star break, Lyon has a 10.57 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, and a .405 BAA. Can someone say "natural correction"? If Lyon continues to give up runs on a weekly basis, there's a chance the D'backs turn to Rauch for some saves. I'll stay "On Board" with Lyon for now, but if he starts blowing saves, I may reconsider.
24-for-29, 44.2 IP, 34 Ks, 3.83 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Next in line: Jon Rauch
Third in line: Chad Qualls B.J. Ryan, TOR
Ryan has a 5.68 ERA since the All-Star break, but he's still the man for saves in Toronto.
21-for-24, 38 IP, 36 Ks, 3.32 ERA, 1.37 WHIP
Next in line: Scott Downs
Third in line: Jesse Carlson Brian Wilson, SF
Wilson has thrown six straight scoreless innings, going a perfect 6-for-6 in saves.
31-for-34, 44.1 IP, 49 Ks, 4.26 ERA, 1.47 WHIP
Next in line: Tyler Walker
Third in line: Osiris Matos Jonathan Broxton, LAD
Don't read too much into Broxton not getting the save chance last Saturday. He just needed the day off.
5-for-10, 46.1 IP, 54 Ks, 3.11 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Next in line: Hong-Chih Kuo
Third in line: Joe Beimel Mike Gonzalez, ATL Gonzalez hasn't had a save opportunity since July 18. That said, he's pitched really well since returning from Tommy John surgery.
4-for-4, 17 IP, 20 Ks, 2.65 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Next in line: Blaine Boyer
Third in line: Jeff Bennett Brian Fuentes, COL
Okay, I was wrong on this one all year long. It looks like Fuentes will remain Colorado's closer at least through the end of the season.
20-for-24, 44 IP, 49 Ks, 2.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
Next in line: Manny Corpas
Third in line: Taylor Buchholz Joel Hanrahan, WAS
Hanrahan notched his first save last Saturday.
1-for-2, 63.1 IP, 72 Ks, 3.98 ERA, 1.31 WHIP
Next in line: Luis Ayala
Third in line: Saul Rivera "On the Fence” John Grabow, PIT
Tyler Yates got shellacked this past Monday, giving Grabow more breathing room as the Pirates’ closer. I’m still not sure he’s got what it takes to be the full-time closer the rest of the way, and Matt Capps is already on a rehab assignment. Craig Hansen could also find himself in the mix. It’s a muddled situation to say the least, leaving some Dámaso Marte owners longing for the days of old.
1-for-3, 55.1 IP, 46 Ks, 3.25 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Next in line: Tyler Yates
Third in line: Craig Hansen Joel Zumaya, DET
Jim Leyland is giving everybody a shot to close in Detroit, and no one seems to really want it. Case in point -- after naming Joel Zumaya the closer on Tuesday, he gave up four earned runs to blow the save on Tuesday night. Leyland further complicated the situation by saying Kyle Farnsworth and Rodney might also get some save chances. For what it’s worth, at least Todd Jones gave you some stability.
1-for-4, 21.1 IP, 21 Ks, 2.95 ERA, 1.87 WHIP
Next in line: Fernando Rodney
Third in line: Kyle Farnsworth J.J. Putz, SEA
Brandon Morrow was sent down to the minors on Tuesday, leaving the gig to Putz. He’s already burned me once this season, and he did blow the save on Tuesday night, so I’d like to see him consistently close games for at least another week or two before jumping “On Board.”
7-for-13, 27.2 IP, 32 Ks, 4.55 ERA, 1.88 WHIP
Next in line: Sean Green
Third in line: Mark Lowe Kerry Wood, CHI (NL)
Wood pitched a scoreless eighth on Tuesday afternoon and should resume closing as soon as a save opportunity presents itself. I’m only "On the Fence" because blister issues have a tendency to recur, and Wood could just as easily find himself on the DL next week. If he can make it through the next week without any setbacks, I’ll move him up. Until then, you should have a backup plan.
24-for-29, 45.2 IP, 55 Ks, 2.96 ERA, 1.01 WHIP
Next in line: Carlos Mármol
Third in line: Jeff Samardzija "On the Ledge" Masa Kobayashi, CLE I’ve watched the Cleveland Indians over the past couple of weeks, and it’s apparent to me that Rafael Pérez is their best bet at closer. He might just be their closer as of today, but Eric Wedge hasn’t made the official announcement. In case you’re not getting my drift, RUN TO THE WAIVER WIRE AND PICK UP PÉREZ!
6-for-8, 49.2 IP, 33 Ks, 3.62 ERA, 1.23 WHIP
Next in line: Rafael Pérez
Third in line: Rafael Betancourt Huston Street, OAK
The dreaded timeshare. The A’s organization was unable to trade Street before the deadline, so Bob Geren is doing the next best thing -- holding open auditions for next season. There’s a multitude of candidates here, from Santiago Casilla to Brad Ziegler to Joey Devine to Jerry Blevins to Alan Embree. If you’re a Street owner, I’d suggest you sell (especially after blowing the save on Tuesday night). If you want to get really creative, and Rafael Pérez is already owned, try prying him away by offering Street. Believe me, it’ll be in your best interest.
18-for-24, 49.1 IP, 47 Ks, 4.20 ERA, 1.28 WHIP
Next in line: Brad Ziegler
Third in line: Joey Devine Jason Isringhausen, STL
Isringhausen blew another one on Tuesday night. There's no way Tony LaRussa can keep him in at closer in the middle of a division race. I'm still convinced that Adam Wainwright gets a shot to close down the stretch. Of course, he has to get off the DL first.
12-for-20, 38.2 IP, 30 Ks, 6.28 ERA, 1.68 WHIP
Next in line: Ryan Franklin
Third in line: Kyle McClellan “On the Shelf” Matt Capps, PIT
Why does Pittsburgh, or Matt Capps, feel the need to come back this season? Why not just take the break and come back next season fresh? I don't get it, I really don't. I suppose you could take a shot on Capps coming back in September, but I'm not sure how effective he'll be.
17-for-22, 40.1 IP, 29 Ks, 3.12 ERA, 1.07 WHIP Billy Wagner, NYM
Another MRI, this time on Wagner’s forearm. I’m not concerned this will be a long-term thing, but if you’re an owner, it hurts to lose him for two weeks. I’m a Mets fan so take it from me -- you don’t want to go anywhere near the combo of Aaron Heilman/Duaner Sánchez/Eddie Kunz for saves. Heilman consistently fails in big spots (he gave up three earned runs in one-third of an inning on Tuesday night), Sanchez can’t get it up over 85 mph, and Kunz is a rookie. Oh, and don't count on Scott Schoeneweis getting any more saves either. Surely, with all the names you’ve seen in this column, you can find a more reliable stopgap.
27-for-33, 46 IP, 50 Ks, 1.96 ERA, 0.83 WHIP
Next in line: Aaron Heilman
Third in line: Eddie Kunz C.J. Wilson, TEX
You can blame it on mechanics or health issues all you want, Ron Washington, but the fact remains -- C.J. Wilson is NOT closer material. Never was, never will be. The bone spurs that are forcing him to the DL, and possibly season-ending surgery, were just collateral damage. Eddie Guardado earned the save on Tuesday night and is probably the team’s best option in the ninth inning, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Frank Francisco get some chances as well.
24-for-28, 46.1 IP, 41 Ks, 6.02 ERA, 1.64 WHIP
Next in line: Eddie Guardado
Third in line: Frank Francisco You may have less than two months to win your league, but it’s never too late to “save” your season. See, Paul can be cheesy too. Got a question or comment, send him an email at
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