2009 SLEEPER CANDIDATE ALERT! 

There was a time no one knew who Eric Gagne was.

A fastball that occsionally touches 101 M.P.H. coupled with a knee buckling breaking ball -should one day help Johathan Broxton become one of Major League Baseball’s top closers.

But - are we out to lunch in thinking the Big Kahuna could lead the Los Angeles Dodgers – as well as the entire National League - next season in Saves?

Well - we don’t think so! And neither does fellow hoser Russell Martin! High Five!

Here’s why…

The Dodgers  were contenders in 2008 despite a team that consisted of a plethora of under achievers – some aging stars – and some very young - but still raw talent.

So one should only assume they will only be better next season - right?

We would think the Dodgers will only add to their arsenal of talent via free agency and trades this winter – and the young arms that their rotation consists of will continue to progress - thus making for many more save opportunities during the LA Dodgers 2009 season.

Broxton has been honing his late innings skills as the Dodgers key set-up man for the closer Takashi Saito for the past 2 seasons - but WaiverSharks feels a passing of the guard is justifiably imminent.

The experience ”JB” gained the past couple seasons - especially 2008’s 2nd half closing opportunity - that arose when Saito injured his shoulder, only helped to solidify Broxton as the heir apparant to the coveted 9th inning closer’s role.

Saito’s future with the Dodgers is currently murky at best - even if he does resign with Los Angeles - there are no guarantees he will close - or how long his aging shoulder will hold up.

Meanwhile - Broxton’s bullish fastball is that which most classic closers need to have in their repertoire. (Broxton possesses wicked stuff – he’s touched 101 MPH on the radar gun a couple times this year.)

Broxton pitches in the National Leagues weakest division for a team that doesn’t often blow away it’s competition in what is very much considered a pitchers ballpark.

(Was that 3 very good points in one sentence? -Yep.)

For those naysayers who watched him turn in a few bad outings in 2008 – can we remind you this big bastage (6’4” – 290 lbs) just turned 24 years old this past summer!

A closer’s mindset is almost as lucrative an asset as his physical ability. Broxton could carry both ingredients of closer success into next season. The writing is on the wall.

“BROX” WILL ROCK in 2009!

I recently paid a trip to Comerica Park to watch the Tigers take on the visiting Texas Rangers. But, even before Jeremy Bonderman could issue his first walk, I briefly met my current FANTASY BASEBALL hero.

Since I wanted to snap some photographs for WaiverSharks.com, I went early so I could watch batting practice - and hopefully land some candid pics of both the Tigers and the visiting Texas Rangers.

Luckily, the “Orange Henchmen” who use to patrol good ol’ Tiger Stadium to ensure you didn’t leave your seating area are a thing of the past. Sorry for my frankness - but many of those old bastards had the personalities of Ty Cobb with a toothache. (Kudos to Comerica Park ’s attendants for the friendly way they interact with fans.)

While batting practice is in session you can literally roam just about anywhere’s throughout this beautiful park – so roam I did.

Much to my surprise - as I walked through the empty pre-game aisles down the first baseline headed towards the batting cage, I noticed a visiting player leaning on the rain delay tarp signing various items for a pack of hungry autograph seeking children.

I thought perhaps it was just some Texas Rangers newcomer trying to make a sweet impression on the home team’s young and appreciative fans.

As I approached, with intense curiosity I gained a closer look at who the sunglass wearing mystery man was.

Then - the giveaway - I noticed the very distinguishable flame tattoos.

No way.

Yes indeed.

Turns out it was actually the current Major League Leader in RBI’s – Josh Hamilton~!

I quickly snapped some close-up pictures, and then, rather nervously (If you’ve ever met an athlete or Hollywood star before – you know that feeling) handed him my game ticket to sign. I wanted to shake his hand and say a few words - but unfortunately he was being hounded pretty vigorously by several other fans who may or may not have known who “Wonderboy” actually was.

But I did.

And although the experience was short-lived – it still managed to remind me of the days when I was a kid growing up - idolizing my favorite major league ball players.

(Smiling to myself)

Now - even at a somewhat more pessimistic thirty-something age – it felt pretty “neato” to get that panicky/anxious awe that only one’s idols seem to conjure up in us. Thanks for making me feel a bit like a kid again Mr. Hamilton!

Now if I can just find me some Lik-m-aid or Big League Chew!