I really enjoyed last week's "Small Market Mania" (and if you haven't checked it out, you should - it's one of the best columns we've had up since the launch). Jon Phillips' picturesque description of childhood bullies Thad and Jake left no doubt that these two intimidators were forces to be reckoned with. Thankfully, Jon survived getting his face put through a desk and lived to tell about it. Had he not, rotoexperts.com might never have realized its full potential. One of the things I most enjoyed about his piece was that it got me to reminiscing of days past, specifically my college years. You see, one of my best friends throughout college had a way with women and, much like an elite closer in baseball, sealed the deal on what seemed like almost every occasion (I, on the other hand, was more like a middle reliever - quality outings but appearances few and far between). He was quite simply, lights-out. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say his 5-year "save" percentage was close to 95% (which would, for all accounts and purposes, put him in the Hall of Fame discussion). How many fantasy owners can say the same thing about their closers? Certainly, there are reliable closers who we continue to admire after roughly six weeks of play, but there are just as many, or even more, who we no longer hold in the same regard. I’m not going to lie -- it’s been tough. It’s put a strain on our bullpens and has us second guessing players we used to have faith in. Thankfully, there is a saving grace to this whole closer conundrum -- the month-long failures of many a stopper are now a thing of the past (as are my college buddy’s days of philandering).
Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one.
- Doc Brown
Yes, that’s right. The future is now and is yet to be determined; a blank slate, if you will. And similar to roulette, the ugly numbers generated over the past month or so have no impact whatsoever on the numbers your closers will produce going forward. Think of April as an extension of the preseason; your season starts now. If you still believe that struggling closer is the same guy you coveted on draft day, then his value to you now should be no different than it was then (unless, of course, he’s injured). The same way of thinking can be applied to acquisitions and trades. If you’re in the market for a stopper and have your eye on a reliable closer who’s gotten off to a rocky start, take stock in the fact that his current ERA and WHIP are not part of the deal. Now, let’s get this baby up to 88 mph (apologies to Joe Borowski and Chad Cordero). (Stats as of Wednesday, May 7th)  Icon SMI | “On Board” JJ Putz, SEA
He’s had command issues since coming off the DL a few weeks ago, so he’ll be working in both save and non-save situations to hopefully figure things out. My advice? If you want to get yourself an elite closer at a bargain price, now is the time to target Putz.
2 for 4, 6 IP, 10 K, 7.50 ERA, 2.67
Next in line: Mark Lowe
3rd in line: Ryan Rowland-Smith Mariano Rivera, NYY
450 saves and counting.
8-for-8, 13 IP, 12 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.31 WHIP.
Next in line: Joba Chamberlain
3rd in line: Kyle Farnsworth/LaTroy Hawkins Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
21/1 K/BB ratio. That’s just sick.
8-for-8, 12.0 IP, 21 K, 2.25 ERA, .83 WHIP
Next in line: Hideki Okajima
3rd in line: Manny Delcarmen Joe Nathan, MIN
New sinker has him earning that new contract.
11-for-11, 13 IP, 14 K, 0.69 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Next in line: Pat Neshek
3rd in line: Juan Rincon Billy Wagner, NYM
The veteran Wagner has a right to call out his teammates. At least he’s been doing his part.
7-for-8, 13 IP, 13 K, 0.00 ERA, .38 WHIP
Next in line: Aaron Heilman
3rd in line: Duaner Sanchez Brad Lidge, PHI
The Renaissance year continues.
7-for-7, 15 IP, 13 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.87 WHIP
Next in line: Tom Gordon
3rd in line: JC Romero |
Jason Isringhausen, STL
Izzy’s had a rough couple of weeks, but has quietly converted his last two chances without giving up an earned run.
11-for-14, 14.2 IP, 11 K, 6.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP
Next in line: Randy Flores
3rd in line: Ryan Franklin Francisco Rodriguez, LAA
Now on pace for 65 saves. If the Angels keep winning, Bobby Thigpen better watch out.
14-for-15, 14.2 IP, 10 K, 3.07 ERA, 1.304 WHIP
Next in line: Scot Shields
3rd in line: Justin Speier Matt Capps, PIT
Hasn’t had a save opportunity in two weeks.
6-for-6, 13.2 IP, 9 K, 2.63 ERA, .95 WHIP
Next in line: John Grabow
3rd in line: Damaso Marte George Sherrill, Bal
He's probably the biggest stopper surprise of the season, but walks have been getting him in trouble lately.
11 for 12, 12.2 IP, 10 K, 4.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Next in line: Greg Aquino
3rd in line: Chad Bradford Bobby Jenks, CHI (AL)
Chicago’s struggles have kept him out of games.
6 for 8, 12.1 IP, 7 K, 2.19 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Next in line: Octavio Dotel
3rd in line: Scott Linebrink Todd Jones, DET
Like Jenks, opportunities have been rare.
5 for 5, 12 IP, 5 K, 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Next in line: Zach Miner
3rd in line: Francisco Cruceta Francisco Cordero, CIN
He has issued four walks in his last two appearances but nothing to be too concerned about.
5 for 5, 13 IP, 12 K, 2.08 ERA, 1.46 WHIP
Next in line: Jeremy Affeldt
3rd in line: Kent Mercker Jose Valverde, HOU
Since April 20th: 6-for-7, 10.2 IP, 13 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.66 WHIP.
7-for-10, 18 IP, 22 K, 5.00 ERA, 1.39 WHIP
Next in line: Doug Brocail
3rd in line: Oscar Villarreal Joakim Soria, KC
Trey, we need all the saves we can get. Stop the nonsense.
8 for 8, 13 IP, 15 K, 0.00 ERA. 0.31 WHIP
Next in line: Jimmy Gobble
3rd in line: Leo Nunez Takashi Saito, LAD
Save opportunities are finally starting to come around.
5 for 7, 15.1 IP, 16 K, 1.76 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Next in line: Jonathan Broxton
3rd in line: Joe Beimel Troy Percival, TB
Let’s give credit where credit is due - only two hits allowed 11 innings.
7-for-7, 11 IP, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.27 WHIP
Next in line: Dan Wheeler
3rd in line: Al Reyes Houston Street, OAK
He had converted nine straight before blowing one on Cinco de Mayo. As long as it doesn’t become a trend, he’ll keep Casilla at bay.
9-for-11, 15.1 IP, 16 K, 4.11 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Next in line: Santiago Casilla
3rd in line: Joey Devine Kerry Wood, CHI (NL)
It's hard to believe his 20 K game was 10 years ago.
5-for-8, 17 IP, 16 K, 4.24 ERA, .82 WHIP
Next in line: Carlos Marmol
3rd in line: Bob Howry Trevor Hoffman, SD
Two straight scoreless frames match his season high.
5-for-7, 9.2 IP, 9 K, 6.52 ERA, 1.55 WHIP
Next in line: Heath Bell
3rd in line: Cla Meredith Kevin Gregg, FLA
He hasn’t looked very good the past week or so. On the bright side, he came in to get one out and the save on May 6th. Safe for now, but let’s see how the next week or two plays out.
6-for-7, 16.2 IP, 12 K, 3.24 ERA, 1.38 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Lindstrom
3rd in line: Taylor Tankersley Brandon Lyon, ARI
Scherzer will probably head back to the bullpen once Doug Davis comes back, but if Lyon keeps pitching like this, Scherzer won’t be a threat.
10 for 12, 16 IP, 12 K, 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Next in line: Chad Qualls
3rd in line: Tony Pena Brian Fuentes
With the way Manny Corpas has been struggling, I can’t see him regaining the role for a while, if at all (notice his absence below). Fuentes did take the loss the other night against the Card’s but it was a fluke play.
2 for 4, 15 IP, 12 K, 2.40 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Next in line: Matt Herges
3rd in line: Taylor Bucholz Jon Rauch, WAS
He has thrived in the role since Cordero went down for the count. This is his job for the rest of the season and perhaps beyond.
7-for-9, 15.1 IP, 11 K, 3.52 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
Next in line: Luis Ayala
3rd in line: Saul Rivera
“On the Fence”
CJ Wilson, TEX
I’m still not a believer.
7-for-8, 13 IP, 5 K, 2.77 ERA, .85 WHIP
Next in line: Joaquin Benoit
3rd in line: Eddie Guardado Brian Wilson, SF
You almost had me Brian, that is, until you gave up two runs, blew the save, and took the loss last Friday.
10-for-12, 14 IP, 15 K, 3.86 ERA, 1.57 WHIP
Next in line: Tyler Walker
3rd in line: Brad Hennessey BJ Ryan, TOR
A lot has changed in the past week. Toronto’s gone from Jesse Carlson and Scott Downs picking up saves to clearing BJ Ryan to pitch on back-to-back days. It looks like BJ will get the majority, if not all, of the save chances from here on out, but I’d like to see how his arm holds up after back-to-backs before moving him up.
5-for-5, 8 IP, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP
Next in line: Scott Downs
3rd in line: Jesse Carlson
“On the Ledge”
Manny Acosta, ATL
2 for 2, 15 IP, 10 K, 3.60 ERA, 1.53 WHIP
Very shaky ground here. He came in for save chance on Wednesday, proceeded to give up two hits in one-third of an inning, and was yanked. Jeff Bennett of all people came on to get the save. Even if Acosta remains the closer over the next few weeks, as soon as Mike Gonzalez and John Smoltz come back, his run is over.
Next in line: Blaine Boyer
3rd in line: Jeff Bennett Eric Gagne, MIL
Ah, the dreaded manager’s vote of confidence. It’s funny because Ned Yost said the same thing about Turnbow just two weeks ago. Where is he now? By the way, after Gagne blows his next save or two, I really like Torres in this role.
9-for-14, 14.2 IP, 17 K, 6.14 ERA, 1.70 WHIP
Next in line: Solomon Torres
3rd in line: Guillermo Mota Rafael Betancourt, CLE
In the 6.2 innings since Borowski was put on the DL, Raffy’s posted a 6.75 ERA, blown one save, lost a game, and has given up two home runs. In other words, he did absolutely nothing to change Eric Wedge’s mind about Borowski.
3-for-4, 13.2 IP, 14 K, 5.93 ERA, 1.46 WHIP
Next in line: Masa Kobayashi
3rd in line: Jorge Julio
“On the Shelf”
Chad Cordero, WAS
Stuck between a Rauch and a hard place.
0-for-0, 4.1 IP, 5 K, 2.08 ERA, 2.08 WHIP Rafael Soriano, ATL
Another bullpen session was cut short due to elbow pain. The MRI is on the way…. can somebody say Tommy John? If he’s going to have the surgery for a second time, they should really rename it Rafael Soriano Surgery.
1-for-1, 4 IP, 5 K, 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP Joe Borowski, CLE
Mark it down: he’s Cleveland’s closer by June 1st.
2-for-4, 4 IP, 3 K, 18.00 ERA, 2.75 WHIP
Paul Bourdett is a man of many words, sometimes too many. If you’d like him to shorten his column or just shut the hell up, email him at bourdepa@rotoexperts.com.
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