Saturday, January 15, 2011

Early Closer Report

Here is my take on the current state of closers. I will list Division-Team-Closer-competition, if any. This list will be dynamic throughout the season with updates when changes are necessary.
AL EAST
Yankees - Mariano Rivera  - No competition.
Boston Red Sox - Jonathan Papelbon - No early competition.
Tampa Bay Rays - Completely open at this time. They may sign Brian Fuentes.
Baltimore Orioles - Koji Uehara & Kevin Gregg will battle for the closer spot.
Toronto Blue Jays - Octavio Dotel with Jason Frasor in the mix.
AL CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox - Matt Thornton , but with Ozzie it could be anyone at anytime.
Cleveland Indians - Chris Perez - No competition.
Kansas City Royals - Joakim Soria  – No competition.
Minnesota Twins - Joe Nathan if healthy, Matt Capps if not.
Detroit Tigers - Jos̩ Valverde РNo competition.
AL WEST
Los Angeles Angels - Fernando Rodney  with Scott Downs  lurking.
Oakland A’s - Andrew Bailey – No competition.
Seattle Mariners - David Aardsma - surgery was more extensive than first thought. Brandon League would be 2ND choice.
Texas Rangers - Neftali Feliz forget the rumors he moves to the starting rotation.
NL EAST
Washington Nationals - Drew Storen it’s the 23 year old's job to lose.
Philadelphia Phillies - Brad Lidge – No completion.
New York Mets - Francisco Rodríguez – No completion.
Florida Marlins - Leo Nunez lost it to Clay Hensley late last year, both will compete for it this year.
Atlanta Braves – Open for any of these three to win. Craig Kimbrel , Jonny Venters , George Sherrill
NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs - Carlos Marmol – No competition.
Cincinnati Reds - Francisco Cordero  - No competition.
Milwaukee Brewers - John Axford – No competition.
Houston Astros - Brandon Lyon – No competition.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Joel Hanrahan , Evan Meek  coin flip thus far.
St. Louis Cardinals - Ryan Franklin – No competition.
NL WEST
Arizona D’Backs - J.J. Putz – No competition.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Jonathan Broxton or Kenley Jansen
San Francisco Giants - Brian Wilson _ No competition.
San Diego Padres - Heath Bell – No competition.
Colorado Rockies - Huston Street  - No competition.

4 comments:

  1. in Cincinnati I would be aware of Chapman, given the age of Cordero

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  2. With the departure or Rhodes I see both Massett and Chapman as two very good set-up men. I look for Msssett in the 7th...Chapman in the 8th ( or any situation where Cinci needs a K)...Cordero closing.

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  3. Well, if you think Cordero has a firm grip, I have to disagree. He is a weak closer. Also, Feliz is getting a shot at starting, it is now official. Might wanna update this.

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  4. If you have ever followed Dusty before you know he does not like young players. Coredero is and will be the closer. As far as Feliz goes he may get a look in the Spring as a starter only if Webb is not healthy. Until I hear it from the boss Nolan Ryan stay with Feliz as the closer...remember he was the ROY at closer.

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