National League Closer Status Report

*Job Security & Performance based on a 10 point scale, 10 being the best.

National League East
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Atlanta Braves
Rafael Soriano
Job Security: 7.5
Performance: 7.5
Backup - Mike González
Notes: Soriano has prevented Gonzales from getting the job back by pitching very well, but Gonzales is a valuable back up.
Reports
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Florida Marlins

Leo Nunez
Job Security: 7
Performance: 7
Backup - Matt Lindstrom
Notes: Nunez has seen his ERA rise over the last month, but is still getting the saves. Lindstrom is the definite backup.
Reports
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Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Madson Job Security: 7


Performance: 6.5
Backup - Brett Myers, Brad Lidge 
Notes:  Madson has been okay, but going back to Lidge isn't really a better option.  Meyers may get a chance if Madson doesn't improve.
Reports
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New York Mets
Francisco Rodríguez
Job Security: 10
Performance: 9
Backup - J.J. Putz
Notes: The best closer in baseball would only be out if he was injured and J.J. Putz, possibly the best back up would take over.
Reports: None
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Washington Nationals
Mike MacDougal
Job Security: 6.5
Performance: 75
Backup - Kip Wells
Notes: Mike MacDougal is in, but beware. Wells would likely get another chance if needed.
Reports




National League Central
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Chicago Cubs
Carlos Marmol
Job Security: 8.0
Performance: 8.0
Backup - Angel Guzman, Kevin Gregg  
Notes: After battling Gregg for much of the year the job is Marmols to keep. Guzman is the likely back up unless they decide to go back to Gregg.
Reports: None
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Cincinnati Reds
Francisco Cordero
Job Security: 9
Performance: 9
Backup - Nick Masset, Arthur Rhodes, David Weathers
Notes: Rhodes is a lefty, so they would likely go to a committee.
Reports:
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Houston Astros
José Valverde
Job Security: 9
Performance: 10
Backup - LaTroy Hawkins, Chris Sampson
Notes: Valverde has been amazing since his return from his right calf strain. Hawkins is still the #1 back up, but Sampson has proven he can save some games too.
Reports
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Milwaukee Brewers
Trevor Hoffman
Job Security: 9.0
Performance: 9.5

Backup - Todd Coffey, Carlos Villanueva
Notes: Hoffman has been great, but age makes injuries likely. Coffey has been the better of the back ups to this point.
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Matt Capps
Job Security: 9
Performance: 8.5
Backup - Joel Hanrahan
Notes: Capps has got back to his old self and is pitching very well.
Reports: None
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St. Louis Cardnials
Ryan Franklin
Job Security: 8.5
Performance: 8.5
Backup - Kyle McClellan, Jason Motte
Notes: Franklin has pitched very well until a couple of bumps lately.  Keep on eye on the vet, but overall he has been great.
Reports: None


National League West
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Arizona Diamondbacks
Juan Gutierrez
Job Security: 7.5
Performance: 7.5
Backup - Esmerling Vasquez
Notes: Esmerling Vasquez is a young fireballer who could take over if Guitierrez fails.
Reports: None
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Colorado Rockies
Franklin Morales
Job Security: 8.5
Performance: 9
Backup - Huston Street, Manuel Corpas
Notes: Street should get his job back, but Morales has pitched very well and will be a great back up for 2009.
Reports: None
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Los Angeles Dodgers
Jonathan Broxton
Job Security: 10
Performance: 9
Backup - Ramon Troncoso, Cory Wade, Guillermo Mota
Notes: Broxton has been great and it is uncertain who will be used. A committee is very possible.
Reports: None
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San Diego Padres
Heath Bell
Job Security: 10
Performance: 9
Backup - Edward Mujica, Clay Meredith
Notes: Bell has been very good and it is not clear who would take over if he goes down.
Reports: None
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San Francisco Giants
Brian Wilson
Job Security: 9
Performance: 9
Backup - Bob Howry, Jeremy Affeldt
Notes: Wilson is average, but the Giants have nobody else who can close. The veteran Howry is the likely top candidate if Wilson goes down.
Reports: None