Ryan Heads To DL

Toronto Blue Jay closer B. J. Ryan was put on the DL with soreness between his shoulder and back. This comes a day after he blew his second save chance of the season.

Ryan is 1-0 with an 11.12 ERA and two saves in six games. He had a lousy Spring and his job has been in limbo from day one. He could just need some time off, but this is a bad sign for Ryan owners.

Hopefully you already have Scott Downs. If not, the time is now to grab him. Jason Frasor might get a save chance here and there as well if you missed your chance on Downs.

Sin City Scout

B.J. Ryan Gets An Easy 2nd Save

B.J. Ryan looked strong getting his second save of the season. The Blue Jays are still going with their veteran lefty at closer and today it went perfect.

Ryan gave up 1 hit and struck out one in what was a quiet 9th inning. This should raise the confidence level for Ryan owners going forward.

Scott Downs did come in and pitched a perfect 8th inning.

Ryan Struggles In Spring

Toronto Blue Jays' closer, B.J. Ryan, has had a rough Spring Training posting an ERA around 9.00 and not looking like a closer. It is being said that his velocity is down in the mid-eighties and that doesn't work for a closer. Some of the same comments were made last year and he turned it up a notch in the regular season and played well.

It is clear that this news is a blow to Ryan's value and Ryan owners need to cover themselves by picking up Scott Downs (5 saves 1.78 ERA in '08), who was mentioned by Cito Gaston as a possible closer. Downs was great last year, but he is a lefty and though that does not mean he can't close, it just means it is rare. Jeremy Accardo got 30 saves with a 2.12 ERA in 2007, but he had a poor 2008 and is a long shot.

In the end, Ryan will be given every chance to close and if he fails, likely a second chance down the line. Stay away if you have not drafted, but don't cut him if you have him. Naturally, if you can, pick up Scott Downs ASAP.

Sin City Scout