2010 Fantasy Baseball Closer Bargains

Francisco Rodriguez - Mets
After a very average 2009, look for Rodriguez to rebound along with the rest of the Mets' team.  After posting a Major League record 62 saves in 2008 he posted a 3.71 ERA from 2.24 in '08 and only recorded 37 of 44 saves.  But that was 2009, this is 2010. He has averaged a league-high 46 saves a season over the last five seasons. If the Mets should rebound in 2010 and he will likely be one of the best closers in fantasy baseball once again.

Brian Wilson - Giants
He is slowly becoming a very good closer. He posted 41 saves in 2008 and 38 in 2009 while he has a career 9.14 K/9-ratio. The Giants are putting together a solid offense and they have an excellent
starting rotation which includes Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. This should be a recipe for low-scoring wins for the Giants and 40 plus saves for Brian Wilson.

Carlos Marmol - Cubs
He should fall into the mid-late rounds and he has the potential to be a top fantasy baseball closer.  His ERA is a bit high for a closer at 3.41, but he makes up with that with his incredible 11.31K/9-ratio.  At 26, he is coming into his own and could shine as Cub's closer.

Rafael Soriano - Rays
He will return from Tommy John surgery after missing the entire 2009 season. He will be turning just 27, so he should see a fast recovery and be ready for the 2010 season. He came onto the scene in 2006 when he posted 33 saves and a 2.73 ERA and slipped a bit in an injured 2007 season when he posted 16 saves and 4.33 ERA. He is not a flashy, big-time strikeout pitcher (8.33 k-ratio), but he seems to be steady and consistent.

Huston Street - Rockies
He still seems to get a bad rap from fantasy owners, but 35 of 37 saves with a 3.02 ERA and a 10.29 K/9-ratio sounds good to me at his expected draft position.  The Rockies have an excellent team and that should lead to many save opportunities for Street and another excellent fantasy season.

Mike González - Orioles
He blew too many saves as a closer with the Braves (7 of 17), but pulled together and pitched brilliantly as a set-up pitcher and he finished with 17 holds, a 2.42 ERA and an excellent K/9-ratio of 10.93.  The Orioles should have a winning season and if González can pitch like he did with Pittsburgh in 2006 or like he did at the end of 2009 he could be a great fantasy closer.

Sin City Scout

2010 AL Closer Status Report

The 2010 American League Closer Status Report is now up. Check it out to see who are the new closers in town and who their back-ups are.

American League Closer Depth Chart

Updated Closer Status Reports

American League Staus report National League Status report

Closer Update: Randy Choate

Right now the Rays bullpen is a mess. With Percival on the DL and likely to retire, Joe Madden has said that he will use the committee approach. However, the last two save opportunities have gone to ex-Yankee prospect Randy Choate who was recently called up from AAA.

Since being called up he has made 4 appearances and the last two were save chances. Both were less then an inning and he was called in to bailout the pitcher before him. I've investigated this everywhere and nowhere has Joe Madden said that Choate is the closer. However, Tampa's bullpen is a mess and if Madden can find a steady closer that isn't Howell or Wheeler he will be very happy. So far Choate has the lead on the job and will be given more chances.

We recommend taking a flyer on Choate and if you have the roster spot, pick him up. It's no guarantee, but if he ends up being the closer for the Rays he could be quite valuable.

I'll keep you posted on the latest developments.

The Closer Report: May 21, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 8

Franklin, Hoffman and Fuentes join the leaders at 11 saves

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

The saves slowed down a bit today, but there was still plenty of action. Ryan Franklin continues to relish his new role as St. Louis's closer. He got his 11th save of the season tonight and has the numbers to back it up. Overall Franklin has a tiny 1.53 ERA and an even smaller WHIP of 0.81. He has clearly surprised everyone and has so far been one of the the top waiver pickup of 2009.

Fernando Rodney started slow this year, but of late has been on fire. He has scored saves in 3 straight games and now has 8 saves on the season. He had a bit of a rocky inning tonight, but held the Rangers scoreless and secured the 4-3 win.

Mariano Rivera recorded his second save of the week, but has had a slow month of May with only 4 saves. He easily dispatched Orioles to get his 9th save of the season.

Joel Hanrahan came back as the closer for Washington and pitched a great inning for his 4th save. He struck out two and gave up a hit in one of his best performances of the year. While Manny Acta hasn't formally announced that Hanrahan is the closer, he made a statement today by not having any faith in Kip Wells to close out the 9th. Wells was rested and hadn't pitched since May 18th. If you held on to Hanrahan as I did, you got your closer back. Hopefully, crazy Manny could change that.

The lone blown save for the day goes to Brian Wilson of the Giants. Heath Bell came into a 1-1 tie in the 9th and gave up his first run of the season and looked to take the loss. Wilson however doubled up Bell and took the loss along with the blown save. In all 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Bell was hammered in his first bad outing of the season and was lucky to get away with only giving up one run thanks to a slow Bengie Molina. He gave up 4 hits in the innings. He officially has a ERA, although its a microscopic 0.50.

Other appearances:
Brian Fuentes (11) - Fuentes is hot with 7 saves in May.

Chad Qualls (10) Getting chances with good starting pitching of lately.

Trevor Hoffman (11) - He is on a tear and he started the season on the DL.

Jonathan Papelbon. Francona wanted to sweep Toronto bad and he used Paps to guarantee it.

Brad Ziegler - Took the loss by giving up a run on 2 hits and a walk. He did not record an out.

The Closer Report: May 20, 2009

Saves: 14

Save Opportunities: 14

13 save day for fantasy baseball, Bell and Broxton continue hot streaks

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

I thought yesterday was a great day for closers, but today was amazing. 14 of the 17 games were saved and there wasn't one blown save.

To start, Kerry Wood rebounded from his disastrous blown save yesterday, but didn't make it easy on himself. He walked the bases loaded before striking out Teahen and DeJesus to end the game. Watching this game I felt he got lucky. Teahen and Dejesus were over anxious and swung at a OK cutter and some nasty curveballs pitches. This will go down as a bad outing as far as management is concerned.

Matt Lindstrom pitched in both games of a doubleheader and recorded 1 save. He preserved the 8-6 win in game one with a perfect inning and a strikeout. He had the exact same performance in game 2, but came in with a tie score. Lindstrom looked outstanding today. He commanded all his pitches and looked like the closer we expected him to be.

Back in the American League, Brad Ziegler made his first save appearance since his bout with the flu. He looked fine pitching a perfect inning and striking out one batter. Hopefully Ziegler gets his job back after this great performance. Don't go dropping Andrew Bailey so fast. Bailey pitched two innings yesterday, and another inning on May 17th. I figure he was getting rested and Ziegler got the call. Since the A's want Ziegler at closer he should get his job back, but he will be on a short list.

Broxton and Bell continued there race of dominance bothing getting their 11th save. Bell was perfect again with 2 strikeouts, while Broxton gave up an hit and oddly didn't strikeout anyone. Easily one of these guys will be my #1 closer on Sunday.

Matt Capps and Mariano Rivera notched their 8th save of the season. Capps had a clean inning, but Rivera had to go 1.1 innings and gave up a home run to rookie Nolan Reimold.

Another significant save was David Aarsdma. He notched his fifth save of the season with a easy inning. The thing to worry about is Brandon Morrow has yet to pitch since he lost the closer job. The manager said he was going to get Morrow in quickly so he doesn't rust and he even warmed up during the Red Sox series. Hopefully this has to do with tight games and nothing to do with injury.

Chris Sampson recorded his 2nd save of the season securing a 6-4 win. He's been closing games for LaTroy Hawkins who is day-to-day with a sore hip. I wouldn't go cutting Hawkins or even picking up Sampson. He's been solid this year, but Hawkins could be back sooner then later. If you have a free roster spot, pick him up for a few possible saves.

Other Saves -

Fernando Rodney (7) - Two straight days with a save.

Ryan Franklin (10) - get hammered for an ER and a WHIP of 3.00. Still, his ERA is 1.56.

Bobbie Jenks (9) - Great performance, lowered his ERA to 2.57 on the season.

Jon Rausch (1) - Came in to save the 11-8 game in the 13thinng. He gave up a solo home run against Dan Uggla and besides that pitched well. Qualls wasn't avaible after pitching the 11th and 12th innings for the win.

The Closer Report: May 19, 2009

Saves: 8

Save Opportunities: 9

Wood gets whacked, Papelbon and Broxton look strong

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

May 18th was a great days for closers. 8 out of 9 games were successfully closed out today. The only blown save goes to Kerry Wood who after giving up back-to-back home runs to Mike Jacobs and Mark Teahen refused to gather it together and get the final two outs. In all Wood gave up 4ER on 3 hits and a walk.

I warned people about Kerry Wood. Wood's problem is he thinks he is Jonathan Papelbon. He thinks batters fear him or at least don't look forward to facing him. When they face Wood, they respect him, but don't fear any part of him. His slider has to break and break hard in the zone. When that isn't happening hitters sit on his soft 94-95 MPH. Expect more of these types of outings from Wood. You should have Lewis in your scopes. He isn't doing well either, and that is probably one reason Wood wasn't relieved.

In other outings, Broxton shutdown the Mets with a perfect innings and a K. Papelbon closed out a big win for the Red Sox, 2-1. He dominated the Blue Jays in the same fashion and striking out Adam Lind in the process.

Trevor Hoffman and Chad Qualls continued there hot starts with saves. Hoffman recorded save 10 with a perfect inning. Qualls has been one of the bigger surprises at closer in 2009. He nailed his 9th save on 2 Ks and lowered his ERA to 2.40.

Brian Fuentes entered a 6-5 game against the Mariners and pulled out his 10th save in outstanding fashion by striking out all three batters.

Finally, Heath Bell kept pace with Broxton notching his 10th save in another perfect inning. Bell has been the best closer overall in 2009. He has pitched 16 perfect innings, 18 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.80. I'm sure Sabermetrics guys are digesting all those numbers, and I will state that the day Sabermetrics can tell me that Heath Bell will do what he's doing, I'll say sign me!

One more note, Fernando Rodney and BJ Ryan both made appearances. Ryan gave up a couple of hits, but no runs. Rodney pitched a perfect inning.

Tampa Bay Rays Closer Report

Thanks to Joe Madden and his closer wisdom, many have been confused as to who is the closer for the Rays. Troy Percival is the obvious choice, but since he got hammered on May 13th, and with left-handers hitting .475 he had been benched for a few days to clear his head. JP Howell and Joe Nelson each picked up saves in his absence.

Today Percival went back to closing and pitched a near perfect inning with two strikeouts. He did hit Mark DeRosa and Carl Crawford mad a great catch two save a double. In the end, Percival is back to closing.

Nelson looked as though he could be getting the job, but Percival is their guy and Nelson has had his own problems and isn't much of a closer.

Start Percival at will, but Expect Madden to Howell or Nelson if the 9th inning is loaded with left-handers. If Percival gets the save chance, fasten your seat belt and cover your eyes.

Morrow loses closer job for now

The Mariners have decided to give Brandon Morrow some time to get back to full strength and gain confidence in his other pitches like his breaking ball and splitter.

For the next few weeks Morrow will get plenty of work, but not in the 9th. Look for Aardsma or Bautista to get the save opportunities while Morrow develops his pitches.

Morrow blows save in the 11th inning

Brandon Morrow had a bad night in Texas. After the Mariners had come back in the top of the 11th to take a 5-4 lead, more blew the game on a 2-run double to Hank Blalock. He gave up a lead off single to Michael Young and walked Josh Hamilton.

This was another bad outing for Morrow, but he some of the best stuff in the league and the Mariners will be patient with him. Morrow only threw 16 [itches, but expect to see Aardsma to pitch Thursday if a save opportunity comes up. The may want to rest Morrow.

Marmol records a rainy day save

Marmol got the save because the game was called in the 8th inning due to some nasty weather. Gregg would have came in the 9th inning for the save.

Marmol gave up 2 hits and 2 walks along with an ER. He got the save, but he also earned a 4.00 WHIP and 9.00 ERA. No strikeouts.

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Papelbon strikes out 3 in a row for the save

Jonathan Papelbon felt good going into the 9th inning to shutdown the Rays, however it didn't go his way. He walked Iwamura to start the inning, and then promptly allowed him to get to 2B on a throwing error. Bartlett then singled to center, but Iwamura held at 2B to make sure it wasn't caught and they held him up at 3rd base.

Papelbon then struck out Carlso Pena, B.J. Upton, and Carl Crawford to lock up the game. He looked absolutely dominating against the last three batters throwing all fastballs and topping out at 97 MPH.

Papelbon said he had to go into "punchout mode", and he certainly did. Tonight showed us that he is clearly the best closer in baseball. At least for now.

If you are a Papelbon owner, the 2.00 WHIP tonight wasn't you wanted, but three strikeouts and a save was well worth it.

Andrew Bailey Saves First Game; Zielger Still Out

Andrew Bailey threw two perfect innings in relief to record his first save of the season. Bailey stayed in for the ninth as Brad Ziegler is still recovering from his bout with the flu.

Reports said that Brad Ziegler lost up to 8 pounds and should be ready to pitch by Monday. That being said, we expect the A's to give Ziegler another 5-7 days before sliding him into the closer role. It could be longer depending on Zieglers performances.

Andrew Bailey is available in over 60% of the leagues, but he's getting picked up quickly. He should get a few save chances and you never know, he could get the job. I doubt that he will take the job from Zielger, but he's worth a roster spot if you need saves.

Soria Doesn't Look Good In Grinding Save

It has been awhile since I last saw Soria pitch and it didn't look well for him. Soria entered a 3-0 game in the 9th to attempt his 7th save of the season. After getting the first two batters out, including striking out Russel Branyan on a sweet curveball. He then gave up 2 hits and 2 walks that culminated into a late rally from the Mariners that fell short 2 runs. He eventually got Suzuki to ground out.

Soria had poor control of his curveball and he threw a few fastballs into the dirt. He is still suffering from a sore shoulder. This is something we will keep an eye on. We have a feeling the Royals will start to use Juan Cruz more to give Soria rest in-between appearances until the shoulder injury has fully healed.

His WHIP today was 4.00 and that is unlike Soria who's season WHIP coming in was 1.04. If you have the roster spot, it might be time to protect your closer with Juan Cruz.

Papelbon Pitches 5 Outs To A Rocky Save

Look for Saito to close for the Red Sox if they have a save chance against the Yankees. Papelbon threw 32 pitches to get five hard earned outs for the Red Sox.

The save was rocky, but not as bad as it looks. The 8th was fine, but in cold weather he had a 20+ minute wait for the 9th. After giving up a single to Brett Gardner that the shortstop would have thrown out most runners, he then hit Derek Jeter. He then struck out Mark Texeria, walked Swisher, and then struck out Cano.

Overall it was a great performance for Papelbon, and from a fantasy perspective it was huge. However, it will cost Papelbon owners the next day for Paps.

Expect Takashi Saito to get a save opportunity. this is not official, but I know how Francona handles Papelbon and he will not pitch if the Red Sox lead in the 9th tomorrow. That is probably obvious to anyone.

So if you have Saito on your bench, put him in.

Kerry Wood Gets Abused By Blue Jays

Kerry Wood's fastball was ineffective against the Blue Jays and his command was suspect. He gave up two runs on on two hits and a walk. He did look impressive striking out Wells, but outside of that it was a terrible outing for Wood.

Jensen Lewis got the save in the 12th inning, relieving Perez and striking out Aaron Hill to end the inning. Lewis looked very good, but I do not feel that there is any threat to Wood's job. Yet.

It was his first blown save of the season.

Taveraz Quickly Becomes Washington Fodder

It didn't take long for Julian Tavarez to get baptized as closer for the Washington Nationals. In his second appearance since being anointed closer with Kip Wells, Tavarez got his bell rung to the tune of 5 runs (2 ER) from the St. Lious Cardinals. In all, he gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, and hit a batter before being removed from the game. It wasn't even a save opportunity, but a tie game he came into for the ninth.

Joel Hanrahan did relieve Tavarez and gave up one hit in 2/3 of an inning of work.

This is exactly what we are talking about. Manny Acta is insane. You don't replace your young stud closer with guys like Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells. You allow Joel Hanrahan to work through his problems and get back to the level you expected out of him when you made him closer last year.

Manny Acta is clearly trying to shake things up in Washington in order to hopefully create a winning team or at least attitude. Right now, the Nationals lack confidence in their pitchers and maybe the next person that should get fired is the pitching coach and not the closer.

Hopefully this performance will make Manny Acta rethink his decision to bench his closer. We will see.

Hoffman Looks Sharp, Nails 2nd Save

Thursday night, Trevor Hoffman completed his second save of the season by striking out and giving up just one harmless hit. It was a very good performance by the 41-year old closer and he needed only 17 pitches for the saves.

Hoffman had good velocity, but not overwhelming velocity. He had great control tonight and that will be the key for Hoffman all season.

We still are not high on Hoffman because of his age and proneness to injury. However, he looks alright for now and should see plenty of opportunities to close games with the Brewers. Hope that he gets a few more saves while staying healthy and without blowups. If you can get to 7, start throwing him out there for trade offers. Dump him while he is hot.

Hanrahan and Mock Are Out

When you struggle for a period of time, you will be pulled, even on the Nationals. Garrett Mock had a small chance as closer and blew it, Hanrahan (who was fairly solid last year) has struggled mightily and has now been pulled as the closer for the Washington Nationals. If you own Hanrahan, this is good news since he won't hurt your fantasy team anymore. All signs indicate that Joe Beimel will be the new closer after his DL stint. The Nationals have been good enough to win games at the plate, so Beimel might just have some value. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Joakim Soria Still Out, Royals Taking It Slow Tejeda In

Last Friday the Royals reported that Joakim Soria would be out 3-5 days. The latest reports are that the Royals are in no rush to bring him back.

This isn't good for Soria owners. He has some pain in his shoulder, but after an MRI no damage showed. He is on special medication and light throwing.

We recommend picking up Robinson Tejeda in the meantime. The Royals will with a closer by committee until Soria is back, and Tejeda has been lights out with a 1.69 ERA and 10 K's so far this season.

Chad Qualls Pitches Well In Non-Save Situation

So far in 2009, Chad Qualls has been alright. He is a closer we are not high on but he has nailed down four saves, while blowing one. He has struck out 12 batters in 8 innings but has a average ERA at 3.00. His WHIP is also high at 1.33, but not much to be concerned about.

After Sunday all of that should improve as he struck 3 batters in 2 innings of work, but did not record the win or save in the extra inning affair.

We recommend holding onto Qualls. He won't get you much in trade value, and seems to be doing alright so far as the closer for the Diamondbacks.

Brad Lidge Off To Shakey Start As Expected

After nearly three weeks of baseball we really haven't seen the 2008 Brad Lidge, but closer to the 2007 Lidge. So far this season, Lidge has appeared in 9 games and five save chances. While he has only blown 1 save, several of the saves have been touch-and-go. His last appearance Saturday night resulted in a save, but he walked the bases loaded in doing it.

So far Lidge has a 7.27 ERA, but even more important is his 1.85 WHIP. That is just not going to cut it for a dominating closer. We were suspect on Lidge coming in because of his past breakdowns and this year we are no different. 11 hits and 5 walks in less then nine innings is showing us the Lidge we expected.

I recommend trading Lidge ASAP. He could come out of this slump and be lights out, but I'd rather not worry about that and get a good deal for him now. If he does implode, you won't be able to move him.

Papelbon Pitches Second Game In A Row, Saito's Turn

Papelbon came into a tie game on Friday and closed out Saturday's game in a non-save situation. That spells out a frustrating week for Papelbon owners. Overall, in week 3 Papelbon made three appearances, none of them save opportunities.

What makes this worse for Papelbon owners? Count him out on Sunday. The Red Sox will not pitch Paps three days in a row, even against the Yankees. Papelbon will not record a save this week, but if you can pick up Saito he will get the save chance on Sunday.

Also note that Papelbon threw 47 pitched over the past two days, including 30 pitches Saturday. Do not count on Papelbon for Sunday.

Aardsma Gets 3rd Save, Shoulder Stiffness For Morrow

Brandon Morrow has been on fire over his past 6 appearances. After a brutal start he has pitched six scoreless innings , while earning five saves.

Morrow has shown complete command of all his pitches except for his first appearance. He has 7 K's over the 6 inning stretch and has secured that closer position.

Aardsma got the save last night because Morrow wasn't available due to stiffness in his pitching shoulder. This is something you will just have to put up with Morrow until his arm gets back to full strength. Clearly he is not 100% healthy and the Mariners have been trying to protect him until he is completely healthy.

Morrow should be good to go for Sunday.

Zumaya Is No Threat to Rodney In Detroit

Joel Zumaya has returned to the Detroit Tigers after a healthy stint in AAA Toledo. Many think he will take over as closer for Rodney at some point. Right now he will be used in the 6, 7, and eventually the 8th inning.


Zumaya does have closer stuff, but his control, power, and temperament are better suited as a setup man. Fernando Rodney has had one bad outing giving up 2 runs in a non-save situation, and outside of that has been brilliant in 2009.


As long as Rodney doesn't get into a rough string of blown saves we do not see Zumaya threatening Rodney's job at all this year.

Lindstrom Blows Up Against Philadelphia

Wow, Philadelphia hammered Lindstrom in the 9th inning of a of a 3-0. He did get the leadoff man out and struck out Bruntlett with only one run in. After that, all hell broke loose capped by a Shane Victorino grand slam and a Chase Utley home run.

Very bad outing for Lindstrom. His biggest problem coming into the season was his command and he clearly didn't have it tonight. At the end of the day, a one inning ERA of 94.50.

As a owner of Lindstrom, I would worry too much. It was a bad day for him, but like Lindstrom, brush it off.

Pirate Starters Are Giving Capps Save Chances

I always have a rule, don't draft Pittsburgh Pirate starting pitchers, however so far in 2009 I've been burned. They are pitching outstanding baseball and closer Matt Capps has been the recipient with 4 saves already.



Capps is pitching great baseball. He hasn't given up a run in 4.2 innings and has a microscopic 0.64 WHIP. Capps has always been a favorite closer of mine, but I tend to shy away from him because of the team he is associated with.



Enjoy this ride while it lasts, but if he gets a few more saves quickly I would recommend selling high and trading him to the highest bidder. Eventually, just like all good things, the Pirates winning ways will have to come to an end.



That is historic FACT.

Huston Street Loses Closer Job To Manny Corpas

We predicted it before the season started and now it has happened. Huston Street is out as Rockies closer according to sources in Denver. Manny Corpas will become the closer and should have success. If he is available in your leagues, get him. He has closed before for the Rockies with 23 saves over two season and should do alright. He has had problems, so this might be a good pick up and trade scenario if you can get him. Personally, I don't like closers in Colorado.

No Worries For Joel Hanrahan

Joel Hanrahan blew a save in a big way Saturday giving up 3 runs in the ninth inning and to of them on a Jeremy Hermida home run.

Don't worry or panic with your closer. Hanrahan is one of the best young closers in the National League and he should be fine. Washington has had a horrific start and the problems are compounding for them. Hanrahan will notch his first save shortly and get back into the swing of it. Outside of that performance he has been solid.

If you can, try and deal for Hanrahan as his value is low and some worried owners might be willing to dump him at a cheap price.

Oakland A's Closer Report

In spring training the A's were set to have two closers and use them both often. However, things changed when Joey Devine sprained his pitching elbow and in my opinion that was a good thing for the A's. He is on the 60-Day DL and won't likely pitch again this year and if he does, it won't be as closer.

Brad Ziegler is a solid closer for the A's. His Dan Quisenberry submarine-style of pitching really works for a closer. Its an odd and rarely seen pitching style and hitters don't look forward to the change in the final inning of a game. That is a hard adjustment to make and is a big reason for Ziegler's success.

If you have Devine on your roster, cut him. He's not worth holding. So far this season Ziegler has been great. He has recorded 3 saves, a 2.57 ERA, and 6 K's in seven innings. Continue to expect production out of the A's closer and expect a 30+ save year for a healthy Brad Ziegler.

Saito Comes In And Saves The Red Sox Game

Takashi Saito came in to save the game for the Red Sox. Terry Francona stuck to his rules of not pitching Papelbon three game sin a row.

He faced the middle of the Orioles lineup and gave up hits against Markakis and Huff before getting the next three out. He did give up a run and recorded one strikeout.

If your league offers holds, Saito is extremely valuable. He will get the call for saves whenever Papelbon has pitched two games in a row, so have him on hold for that as well.

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.

Marmol Notches 2nd Save

Carlos Marmol notched his second save of the season Friday night, but didn't do it smoothly. He opened the inning with a walk and hit batter before retiring the next three with one strikeout.

Clearly Pinella could have gone with Kevin Gregg, but his dependability with his gimpy knee could spell doom for the closer. If his knee stiffens he can't pitch and that might be causing him problems right now.

They were warming up Marmol before Soriano belted a home run off of Chris Perez in the 8th and he decided to stick with him. Either way, we told you that Marmol would get at minimum 20 saves this year and he now has 2.

Gregg is still the closer, but watch the reports on his knee and do not bench or trade Marmol. However, if you can acquire him via trade, now is the time.

Broxton Pulls Out 4th Save Old School Style

Our favorite closer this year Jonathan Broxton amazed us again with another stud performance. He was brought into the game with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th inning. He struck out 2 batters that inning and ended up with 4 strikeouts and a save.

Broxton is clearly becoming one of the most dominating closers in baseball. His only issue remains his loss of control. He definitely feels comfortable and has the mentality for the job.

If any pitcher in baseball can break 50 saves and 100 strikeouts it is Jonathan Broxton. Get him if you can.

Cleveland Indians Closer Report

Kerry Wood recorded his first save today. While he didn't get any strikeouts, his command looked good and his velocity was average. Jensen Lewis got the win by blowing the save in the 7th.

Kerry Wood still worries up, so keep Lewis and Betancourt on your scout team till further notice.

Colorado Rockies Closer Report

Huston Street had another rough outing today. He came in to pitch the 9th in a non-save situation, but quickly turned it into one. He gave up a home run to to Derek Lee, and then followed that with single and a walk before Clint Hurdle pulled him for Jason Grilli.

We have never had confidence in Huston Street pitching in Colorado. Its a big risk, and a bad ball park to pitch in if you can't command your stuff. Today wasn't in Colorado, but he is bound to have adventures when the Rockies go home.

Currently, according to reports, he is still the closer, he was just ineffective and was removed. Don't pick up Grilli. If Corpas was available he would have pitched, but he was used in the 8th.

We recommend picking up Manny Corpas if he is available on your waiver wire. We suspect before long he will be the Rockies closer.

Atlanta Braves Closer Report

If you don't already know, I am not a fan of Mike Gonzalez. While ha has good stuff and a killer breaking ball, he is inconsistent and injury prone. It is almost a guarantee he will end up on the DL at some point this year.

Gonzalez has had 4 appearances and has recorded 1 save in to save opportunities. While two of his appearances weren't save situations, Gonzalez has given up 5 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings. A positive is 6 strikeouts, so far, but Gonzalez has been anything but dominating.

Rafael Soriano has been completely dominating. He has pitched 4 innings himself, and given up no runs and has 5 strikeouts. He also has recorded one save.

If you own Gonzalez, we highly recommend picking up Soriano. If Gonzalez continues to give up runs, and Soriano continues to shutdown the 8th, the Braves will make the change.

St. Louis Cardinals Closer Report

Motte is out as closer in St. Louis. LaRussa has gone with McClellan, Reyes, and Franklin to secure ball games recently. Motte has been moved to earlier innings to get more experience.

Get Chris Perez. Perez is on fire in the minors. He has healed from his sore shoulder and has pitched 4 innings with no runs and 4 strikeouts.

If and when the call up Perez they will likely give him a shot, but still mix in Franklin.

Seattle Mariners Closer Report

Between April 9-12 the Mariners had 4 save opprotunities. So far they've had 5 saves chances, closing out 4. The Mariners are monitoring Morrow's workload as to try and avoid injury.

As Morrow gets stronger and once Aardsma starts to become unreliable Morrow will start saving games back to back. After his blown save you could tell he wasn't quite ready after walking 3. He also has thrown over 50 pitches in the two saves, so the Mariners went with Aardsma for 2 saves.

Keep Morrow as your closer, but pickup Aardsma as insurance. We still think Roy Corcoran can get in the mix for saves as well. If Aardsma is gone and you have a roster spot free, take a flier on Corcoran.

Brandon Morrow To Move To Bullpen

Manager Don Wakamatsu announced that Morrow will head back to the bullpen for the start of the season. Apparently this is not a temporary move to build arm strength, but a permanent one. "I think that I'd be more useful as a bullpen pitcher than a starting pitcher." - Morrow.

It has not been announced that he will be the teams closer, but it is his likely future home. He may start as a setup reliever or in the minors for the first few weeks. David Aardma has a good chance to pick up the majority of the saves until Morrow is 100%. Sin City Scout