NATIONAL LEAGUE: NL EAST
NEW YORK METS
DIVISION RANK : 1 (MLB RANK : 3)
Closer – Francisco Rodriguez - After shattering the individual season saves record by recording an incredible 62 games saved, K-Rod jumped ship and went for some money signing in New York. The pressure will be a tad different, and switching numbers (Johan Santana wears number 57) to number 75 may have a mental effect. Just kidding…But don’t expect 62 more saves, a more down to earth 42-48 saves wouldn’t be a surprise though.
Grip on Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – J.J. Putz, Pedro Feliciano
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Another piece in the JJ Putz deal, Sean Green may have the ability to close out some games should this totally revamped bullpen collapse beyond recognition. Green is the most likely roster candidate to get a shot to close out a game here or there (vulture saves count too!!!) should injuries take place, or in situations where K-Rod and Putz are unavailable. With this being said only the deepest of deep fantasy drafts should a name like Sean Green be called out.
Even Deeper…The Mets have a great looking back end of the bullpen at the moment. Currently they have lots of hard throwing arms that are used to working lots of innings which may hurt a young developing closer. Regardless, 22 year old Eddie Kunz could be their next developed closer. At 6 foot 5 inches, 265 pounds, he is an intimidating hurler that has racked up 34 saves in the last two seasons. His K/BB ratio could improve, but they won’t have to rush him to get him in the majors as they have at least three years of the explosive K-Rod to depend on.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
DIVISION RANK : 2 (MLB RANK : 4)
Closer – Brad Lidge – Pure power pitcher, brings it every night. A perfect season last year after being run out of Houston due to mental lapses and struggles, Lidge obviously gets the last laugh. I have always been a big fan and when you can get nearly 100 K’s from your closer, and solid all-around stats, you can deal with a mental lapse here and there.
Grip on Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Ryan Madson, *J.C. Romero (Suspended first 50 games)
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – If the Phillies want to test drive anyone that is currently on their 40-man roster, I think that they should give Joe Bisenius an opportunity. Bisenius has above average goods and a near 2:1 K/BB ratio through his five minor league seasons. At 26 he is mature enough to handle situations and could be a nice addition in deep drafts.
Even Deeper… Dynasty leaguers could take a chance on Sam Walls. While Walls was phenomenal in A-Ball, he became slightly erratic in making the jump to AA last year. Expect another year or two of grooming but with a 0.81 ERA, nearly 3:1 K/BB ratio, .152 BAA and a WHIP under 1.00 he will more than likely spend the entire season up a level in preparation for the next jump.
ATLANTA BRAVES
DIVISION RANK : 3 (MLB RANK : 21 )
Closer – Mike Gonzalez – A great arm that has been mangled in recent history to various injuries. Gonzo’s strange delivery that definitely strains his pitching arm is also part of his effectiveness. He has shown that he can be lights out in a closers role, so his success is merely determined by how healthy he can remain.
Grip on the Closers Role – Stable
Injury Concerns – Fair
Next in Line – Rafael Soriano, Buddy Carlyle, Boone Logan
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – While Manny Acosta isn’t a shocking name, Bobby Cox tested him with success in closing out 3 games last season, so he has had an opportunity in getting the final out. Not an overly powerful pitcher, Acosta would need to work on his control to be given a true shot, as you don’t get too many chances if you can either put the ball in play, or hit the strike zone.
Even Deeper… Luis Valdez accumulated 28 saves last season, while running up a 10.66 K/9INN rate. A flame thrower by trade, Valdez also has a tremendous slider that he can depend on when he needs to throw a strike. Working his fair in winter league ball in his native Dominican Republic, expect another season or two in order to fine tune, but he could be closing Braves games before you know it.
FLORIDA MARLINS
DIVISION RANK : 4 (MLB RANK : 27)
Closer – Matt Lindstrom – What can you really expect from Lindstrom that he hasn’t already shown. He’s a decent pitcher, with decent stuff and who knows, maybe he’ll turn into another Kevin Gregg? Regardless, the Marlins will need a solid bullpen to hold on to games as their starting rotation will keep them competitive. Expect Lindstrom and committee to be used as I’m not sold on him being the only hurler to get the opportunity to close games in Florida.
Grip on the Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Leo Nunez, Scott Proctor
WaiverSharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – What happened to Taylor Tankersley last season? After showing some strong stuff in the previous two seasons, the Tank took a dramatic step back in his dependability and we at WaiverSharks.com believe that he’s still got enough in the Tank at the tender age of 25 to bring it all back together. Almost anyone in the Marlins ‘pen could be considered a sleeper at this point, but - if anyone, it could be the University of Alabama southpaw that steps up and grabs the role.
Even Deeper… If anyone in the Marlins system were to make a jump to potentially close games, it would have to be Chris Mobley. Great control, high K/BB ratio of nearly 4.5/1 and an impressive BAA (.224) makes this 25 year old appealing. Mobley's been closing out games within the minor leagues for a couple of seasons now, and with an old closer in AAA, expect him to make a jump this year. He could very well find his way on the major league club at some point.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
DIVISION RANK : 5 (MLB RANK : 30)
Closer – Joel Hanrahan – Probably the most loose grip on a closers role as you can get this year, Hanrahan had a brief audition last year racking up nine saves; however, he also blew four saves as well. The Nationals will more than likely continue to struggle, and a solid back end of the ‘pen is necessary to collect as many wins as possible. Challengers will rise which will hopefully help the performance, but I see Hanrahan as a more effective set-up man.
Grip on the Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Steven Shell, Saul Rivera
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Hmmm, you could probably pick any other name in the bullpen, but if I had to select just one “sleeper” candidate to potentially close out games in D.C. I’d have to pick Mike Hinckley. He was very impressive in his debut last season not giving up 0 runs in 13+ innings and showing great control with 3:1 K/BB ratio. Don’t expect anything phenomenal from this motley crew of potential closers.
Even Deeper… Incredibly, the Nationals have a fairly thin set of pitching prospects which exposes an even more limited stock of closer prospects. If there is one player that sticks out, I’d have to say 24-year old Adam Carr is that name. Slithering his way through the system, he hasn’t been given a shot at the bigs, but perhaps this is the year. He has good control, throws four pitches and has closed out games the past three seasons. Selecting a deep sleeper in this situation is like a needle in a haystack, so use this information with caution.
