AL WEST
In 2007, Brian Fuentes lost his closer role to Manny Corpas while pitching for the Colorado Rockies. Could Jose Arredondo give Fuentes a case of deja vu in 2009?
LOS ANGELES ANGELS of ANAHEIM
DIVISION RANK : 1 (MLB RANK : 10)
Closer – Brian Fuentes – A unique style of pitcher comes to a team that had a love affair with their energetic closer. Tough gig for sure, but Fuentes is probably breathing a sigh of relief as he has been brought in to be “The Guy” and will have success in a division of all new closers.
Grip on Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Scot Shields, Jose Arredondo
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – At 30 years old, I don’t necessarily think that Jason Bulger will have a breakthrough type season; however, with 16 saves last year in AAA Salt Lake, he put together enough street cred to have his name thrown into the hat as a potential underdog for a different look bullpen in Anaheim…er, I mean Los Angeles? Um, what are they again? The other two names in my “Next in Line” section above (Shields & Arredondo), will surely get a shot ahead of Mike Scoscia taking a chance; however, without a deep set of closer types ready to step in, Bulger could get some consideration.
Even Deeper…Another Rodriguez??? Can we really call him R-Rod yet? Regardless, the Angels may be grooming a familiar name to close out games in the future. Rafael Rodriguez took a huge step in the right direction, finishing with a stellar 1.86 ERA through 53.1 innings, which he is hoping shapes his path to the major leagues. While we cannot expect him to be as dominant as K-Rod, he still may be the next closer in line.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
DIVISION RANK : 2 (MLB RANK : 17)
Closer – Joey Devine – What should poolies expect from career long “Closer of the Future”? Well, on a decent A’s team, I’d say that he could be one of the biggest bargains, or one of the biggest busts. The A’s could go with Devine out of the gate and shift to Ziegler or vice versa, so keep a close eye on Spring Training notes. One way or another, one of these closers could rack up 35+ saves with ease, as the A’s tend to create an abundance of save opportunities.
Grip on Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Brad Ziegler, Santiago Casilla
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Jerry Blevins. Billy Beane has a knack for turning nothing into something and an even greater ability to find diamonds in the rough. With an impressive debut in 2008 (after a cup of coffee in the majors in 2007) Blevins proved that he belonged. Not terribly overpowering, Blevins uses a variety of pitches and his ability to put balls into play to his advantage. At 6’6” he has the ability to approach the plate using different angles to keep batters on their toes, as displayed in his impressive line of 3.11 ERA, a .230 BAA and a great 1.19 WHIP.
Even Deeper…An intimidating bear looking savage by day and a closing machine by night, Gary Carignan has the stuff that makes most teams swoon. Leave it to the A’s for finding this gem in the fifth round after being passed in the amateur draft twice out of UNC. 28 saves last year in A and AA ball, a 12.15 K/9 ratio would rank him up there with the big boys and at only 22, the sky could be the limit. Keep your ears open for this kid, as we think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
TEXAS RANGERS
DIVISION RANK : 3 (MLB RANK : 28)
Closer – Frank Francisco – Loved for his ability to throw a 2-seam steel chair, the Rangers famed felon is the number one arm in what could be the leagues nastiest (and I don’t mean that in the “good” way either) bullpens. Expect a revolving door at best, unless Francisco shows he can handle it.
Grip on the Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – C.J. Wilson, Kazuo Fukimori
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Who doesn’t love a flame throwing chubby closer? Rod Beck fans unite!!! Texas minor leaguer Warner Madrigal isn’t your prototypical closer, but he surely has the stuff. A 3:1 K/BB ratio shows that he has no problem with control, and with 35 total saves over the past two seasons (including one in the majors last year), the 6’, 215 pounder has been in line to step up to a greater challenge. This couldn’t be a better year to be in line for the Texas Rangers closer position as he may just get his chance.
Even Deeper…While there may be much to chuckle at in the Rangers bullpen, there is one bit of laughter that may provide more than stress relief. Cue Andrew Laughter and his ability to pitch out of jams. With a system full of potential, the Rangers need some of their kids to step up and step into the big leagues, and we think that this kid may be the one that gets the last laugh.
SEATTLE MARINERS
DIVISION RANK : 4 (MLB RANK : 29)
Closer – Mark Lowe – Hmmm, how does this guy get the ball in the ninth after struggling to find his place in the Mariners bullpen? Trade away J.J. Putz and promise Fantalytics trial number one former closer Brandon Morrow a spot in the rotation and you have what most will call a battle for the right to close a minimal amount of games in Seattle next year. Don’t expect Lowe to hold on all year, as he will probably be replaced after a couple of blown saves only which he will know only adding even more pressure. Yikes…Tough gig for a kid with decent stuff.
Grip on the Closers Role – Paper Thin
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Ray Corcoran, Tyler Walker, Miguel Batista
WaiverSharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – With a ballooned ERA many would wonder why Jared Wells has been called upon so frequently during his minor league career. Wells has the stuff, but is a good pitching coach away from having it all come to fruition. The Mariners bullpen definitely has questions marks, perhaps this is a year that a guy like Wells can strike while the pan is hot.
Even Deeper…In a bleak and questionable system that could have used Aaron Heilmann, but chose to dish him without ever throwing a pitch in a Seattle uniform, it appears that at some point, the M’s will need a kid like Shawn Kelley to pan out. At 24 years old, he has been slowly gaining notoriety within their system and could get a legitimate shot at making the big club come Opening Day.
