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
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 RodrÃguez – 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.
in Cincinnati I would be aware of Chapman, given the age of Cordero
ReplyDeleteWith 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.
ReplyDeleteWell, 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.
ReplyDeleteIf 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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