Cardinals Closer Role Undecided

The fight continues in St. Louis for who will be named opening day closer. If the winner holds the job and has a good season he could have very nice fantasy value at a bargain price. Jason Motte, Josh Kinney, Chris Perez and Ryan Franklin are all in the battle. Perez was the early favorite, but has dropped back due to a shoulder injury while Jason Motte, on the other hand, is having an excellent Spring Training: 8+ IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 13 K with 4 saves. At 26 Motte may need some more experience, but he has been dominant….in Spring Training. Perez will be out for a few days to undergo tests on his right shoulder. Long shot Josh Kinney has been very solid: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 9 K with 2 saves, but the 29-year-old is returning from Tommy John surgery and closing may be a year away. Ryan Franklin is the fall-back guy and is a better set-up pitcher, though he does have value in a league that gives points for hold. Jason Motte’s value now surpasses that of Perez, but Perez may still has better long-term value as Motte is unproven. Sin City Scout