WaiverSharks team member, Adam Forsyth, tackles the zany and volatile world of the Closers position for our Preseason 2009 Rankings - beginning here with the American League - East Division.
Keep your ear to the ground for his remaining MLB Closer break downs, as well as a New WaiverSharks exclusive feature -
"FANTALYTICS"
1. Papelbon (AL E 1) 16. B. Wilson (NL W 2)
2. Nathan (AL C 1) 17. Devine / Ziegler (AL W 2)
3. K-Rod (NL E 1) 18. Wood (AL C 4)
4. Lidge (NL E 2) 19. Street (NL W 3)
5. Jenks (AL C 2) 20. Bell (NL W 4)
6. Rivera (AL E 2) 21. Gonzalez (NL E 3)
7. Soria (AL C 3) 22. Qualls (NL W 5)
8. Broxton (NL W 1) 23. Sherrill (AL E 4)
9. Valverde (NL C 1) 24. Percival (AL E 5)
10. Fuentes (AL W 1) 25. Rodney (AL C 5)
11. Ryan (AL E 4) 26. Perez (NL C 6)
12. Marmol (NL C 2) 27. Lindstrom (NL E 4)
13. F. Cordero (NL C 3) 28. Francisco (AL W 3)
14. Capps (NL C 4) 29. M. Lowe (AL W 4)
15. Hoffman (NL C 5) 30. Hanrahan (NL E 5)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL EAST
DIVISION RANK : 1 (MLB RANK : 1)
Closer – Jonathan Papelbon – Paps is a shut’em down closer at the back end of one of baseballs’ most feared bullpens. He’s as secure of a closer as you are going to get in todays day and age.
Grip on Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Ramon Ramirez, 27.
Acquired in the Coco Crisp deal from the Royals, Ramirez was added to provide some depth to the relief staff. What he provides is a power arm capable of continuing his career as a strikeout per inning pitcher. Ramirez will be there if the wheels fall off, or should the injury bus set-up shop in front of Fenway Park. However, I’d expect the Sox ‘pen to be nothing short of phenomenal this season.
Even Deeper…If all of the above fail to step up to the mark, look for Chris Smith to see some opportunities as an up and coming reliever in the Red Sox system.
DIVISION RANK : 2 (MLB RANK : 6)
Closer – Mariano Rivera – Now that this lifetime Yank has signed on for another contract, he should be able to help make it a smooth transition to the new Yankee Stadium, in an ultra-competitive division.
Grip on Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Damaso Marte, Edwar Ramirez
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Mark Melancon, 23.
Returning from Tommy John surgery, Melancon may be on the path to being the heir apparent to the empire that Mo has created. Don’t expect too much out of this kid yet. But it may be good, in deep keeper leagues, to take a chance. My assumption though, is that he will go down to AA for more seasoning, and perhaps shuffle his way up to AAA ball.
Even Deeper…I’d also look into Alfredo Aceves, who did well in the rotation last year and may get an opportunity if Mariano and company go down.
DIVISION RANK : 3 (MLB RANK : 11 )
Closer – B.J. Ryan – This big burly lefty should return to form, after an up and down season in his return in 2008 from Tommy John surgery. With durability an issue, I’m sure that the Jays will be careful in not pushing him to pitch in multiple inning situations.
Grip on the Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns - Fair
Next in Line – Jeremy Accardo, Jason Frasor
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Jesse Carlson, 28.
This hard throwing lefty has the stuff to be dominant. He showed the Jays brass that his name can and should be included in the mix should anything go wrong within the bullpen. With a WHIP slightly over 1.00 (1.03) through 60 games last year, Carlson showed signs that he doesn’t like to waste a batter, all the while maintaining nearly a strikeout per inning. (55K’s in 60.0 INN)
Even Deeper…Brandon League could also be considered here, as he was once thought to be the “Closer of the Future” for the Jays.
DIVISION RANK : 4 (MLB RANK : 23)
Closer – George Sherrill – When Chris Ray went down last year, Sherrill stepped in and proved his worth. The Orioles closer job is his to lose. Minus a tremendous setback, or a rise against from Ray, Sherrill and his flat-brimmed cap will be a common sight locking down games.
Grip on the Closers Role – Stable
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Jim Johnson, Chris Ray
WaiverSharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – James Hoey, 26.
Should this guy get a hold on his control issues, he could be someone that the O’s can depend on to close out games. He’s got a knack for getting the big out, and can throw a strike when necessary. It would take a lot for him to get the opportunity; however, only in the deepest of leagues would a manager call out Hoey’s name. That is, unless you are counting the holds category.
Even Deeper…Brandon Erbe, and his 98 MPH fastball, sounds like a guy that might be able to take this job, if not late this year, next year.
DIVISION RANK : 5 (MLB RANK : 24)
Closer – Troy Percival – Percy was dependable when put in the position to end games last year. The Rays did however, need to use a committee approach late in the year when he went down with injuries.
Grip on the Closers Role – Stable
Injury Concerns – Extremely High
Next in Line – Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – David Price, 23.
Alright, we know that he is penciled in as the 5th starter in their rotation, however, stranger things have happened. The Rays pitching is a definite strength, and, should Price falter a bit as a starter, I wouldn’t be shocked if Joe Maddon pulls a trick out of the bag, and puts the youngster out in a difficult position. C’mon, he tried it in the limelight of the MLB playoffs, why not in the grind of a 162 game season?
Even Deeper…Jacob McGee is a lefty that lead the minors in K’s in 2006 (as a starter). Problem is, he doesn’t seem to have the stamina to go past 5. With his great stuff that can be compared to a young B.J. Ryan, I smell a closer.
