National League: NL WEST
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
DIVISION RANK : 1 (MLB RANK : 8)
Closer – Jonathon Broxton – Big Box Brox as I like to call him. Broxton is an intimidating 6 foot 4 inch 290 pound fire-baller and has the opportunity to throw his name into the top-tier of closers at the tender age of 24. Broxton was born to close out games and should be able to give the Dodgers as many wins as they give him opportunities.
Grip on the Closers Role – Extremely Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Guillermo Mota, Hong-Chih Kuo
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Cory Wade showed that he belongs with the big club after waiting patiently for the opportunity. The slender 25-year old is ready to take the next step and could even enter the season as a set-up man for Broxton should he have a solid spring.
Even Deeper…Josh Roenicke has raised through the minor league ranks and could be a true darkhorse if given the opportunity in La-La Land. He has had solid statistical back to back seasons and may be a threat to take one of the six or seven bullpen spots out of the spring training.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
DIVISION RANK : 2 (MLB RANK : 16)
Closer – Brian Wilson – After many questions were posed as to whether or not he could handle the pressures of being the teams closer, Wilson locked up 41 games for a sub-par Giants team. He may not be the most flashy, but the man that shares his name with a Beach Boy, you’ve got to say he gets the job done.
Grip on Closers Role – Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Bob Howry, Jeremy Affeldt
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Sergio Romo was extremely effective last year in his first exposure to major league quality bats. His WHIP of 0.71 and BAA of .138 are more than impressive. Over the 34 innings that he got into action he didn’t give up a hit in more than two-thirds of the games (20 of 29). Wilson has gone through injuries before and should either of the aforementioned vets struggle this 25-year old California native may step in and exceed all expectations.
Even Deeper…With 54 saves over the last two minor league seasons, it appears that the Giants are grooming Daniel Otero as their next lockdown game ender. At 24-years old, he needs to take a major step though to show that he is ready, as he has been toiling in A-Ball to this point. Expect him to at least begin in AA with the Connecticut Defenders and perhaps with a strong showing, reaching AAA at some point. He is still at least a season or two away from any MLB action.
COLORADO ROCKIES
DIVISION RANK : 3 (MLB RANK : 19)
Closer – Huston Street – Considered more of a finesse pitcher than prototypical closer, Street will look to build on his return to form late in the 2008 season after losing his closer’s role in Oakland. Never overpowering, Street depends on a mix of pitches and speeds to stun batters. Expect him to stay sharp as he knows that Corpas is more than capable of the job at hand, which should help him pitch his best. Injuries are always a concern, but Street should be 100% healthy coming into the ’09 season.
Grip on Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – High
Next in Line – Manny Corpas, Taylor Buchholz
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Ever since being dealt to Colorado, it seems that Jason Grilli has found his stuff again. While he continues to walk batters at an alarming rate, he still reaches the upper 90’s with his fastball. Tigers fans won’t be happy to hear that he is succeeding; however, on a youthful team such as Colorado, he may have found his niche.
Even Deeper…Steven Register doesn’t provide anything flashy. He doesn’t necessarily strike out too many batters, but he doesn’t walk a lot either (close to a 3:1 K/BB ratio). He does have a tendency of giving up a lot of home runs but has slowly started to keep that in check as well. There is one thing that he does well though and that is pick up saves. After closing out 37 games in 2007 at AA-Tulsa, Register stepped up to AAA ball and locked down 16 games for Colorado Springs over the 2008 season. He could be a sneaker and find his way onto the Rockies roster at some point.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
DIVISION RANK : 4 (MLB RANK : 20)
Closer – Heath Bell – Entering his first Opening Day in being a full-time closer, Bell is a power pitcher that is generally a two pitch pitcher. He won’t surprise too many batters and has been hittable over his career. The Padres are hoping that he is able to make a smooth transition from the MLB save king Trevor Hoffman era. We’ll try to stay optimistic, but it may be a bumpy ride.
Grip on the Closers Role – Firm
Injury Concerns – Minimal
Next in Line – Clay Meredith, Justin Hampson
WaiverSharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – Mike Adams could be a guy that would be able to step in and provide a solid game-stopper. An impressive 3.89:1 K/BB ratio shows that he hits the strike zone with consistency and with four seasons under his belt, he may be ready to heed a promotion.
Even Deeper…Greg Burke may be able to make a jump this year, as he has been more than solid in the Padres system the past two seasons. A converted starter, Burke made a smooth transition in 2008 by accumulating 23 saves while striking out 92 in 84 innings of work. Hopefully getting into that many games won’t wear him down and he can make the jump to the big club in 2009 or 2010.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
DIVISION RANK : 5 (MLB RANK : 22)
Closer – Chad Qualls – After taking over mid-season for a struggling Brandon Lyon, Qualls was either effective and lights out, or very hittable and ultimately forgettable. Arizona’s success may have something to do with how their bullpen fares, but don’t expect too much from Qualls as he has typically been hittable throughout history. With a serviceable threat in Jon Rauch on board, Qualls reign as closer may be short lived.
Grip on Closers Role – Loose
Injury Concerns – Slight
Next in Line – Jon Rauch, Tom Gordon
Waiversharks.com Deep Sleeper Candidate – With the recent free-agent signing of Tom Gordon the D’Backs won’t be hesitant I’m sure to try different options should Qualls struggle. We know that Rauch would be able to do the job, but I see Tony Pena as a real sleeper option here. Hard-throwing 25-year old righty has six career saves and could be another option for Bob Melvin to test along the way.
Even Deeper…With 45 saves over the past 2 seasons, Reid Mahon is being touted as next closer for the D’Backs. While he looked slightly out of place in his first exposure at AAA-Tucson he should make the jump this year and get more seasoning. Arizona can take their time as they have more than enough options already in place to allow this kid the ability to develop properly.
