American League Closer Status Report

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

American League East
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Baltimore Orioles
Jim Johnson
Job Security: 7.0
Performance: 7.0
Backup - Danys Baez - Chris Ray
Notes: Johnson has been average, but the Orioles don't seem interested in making a change in 2009.
Reports
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Boston Red Sox
Jonathan Papelbon
Job Security: 10
Performance: 9
Backup - Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima,
Notes: Okajima was brilliant last year and Saito is a former closer and it has been Saito used when Papelbon needed a rest. Okajima still has value, but only for holds.
Reports: None
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New York Yankees
Mariano Rivera
Job Security: 9.5
Performance: 8.5
Backup - Brian Bruney, Phil Hughes
Notes: Hughes has been excellent in the bullpen as of late.
Reports
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Tampa Bay Rays
J.P. Howell
Job Security: 7.5
Performance: 8
Backup -  Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour
Notes: J.P. Howell has taken over but Wheeler and Balfour should get a chance from time-to-time.
Reports
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Toronto Blue Jays
Jason Frasor
Job Security: 7.5
Performance: 8
Backup - Scott Downs, Brandon League
Notes: Downs has been activated from the DL but Frasor is still the closer.
Reports




American League Central
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Chicago White Sox
Bobby Jenks
Job Security: 9
Performance: 8
Backup - Octavio Dotel, Tony Pena
Notes: Jenks has been very steady over the last couple years and his job is secure unless a disaster strikes. Dotel can step in and be a solid closer, though not season-long. He makes a solid set-up pitcher and backup closer on a AL Only Leagues or a desperate fantasy team.
Reports: None
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Cleveland Indians
Kerry Wood
Job Security: 7.0
Performance: 6.5
Backup - Chris Perez, Joe Smith
Notes: Wood has struggled a little as of late and the acquisition of Chris Perez will put the heat on Wood.
Reports
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Detroit Tigers
Fernando Rodney
Job Security: 8.5
Performance: 8.5
Backup - Brandon Lyon, Joel Zumaya
Notes: Lyon has the experience and has been great as of late. Zumaya has the talent, but has yet to prove he can close.
Reports: None
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Minnesota Twins
Joe Nathan
Job Security: 10
Performance: 10

Backup - Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares
Notes: Nathan is one of the best closers in baseball and only injury would likely knock him out. There is know settled backup, but Matt Guerrier has pitched well and could get the first shot.
Reports: None
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Kansas City Royals
Joakim Soria
Job Security: 9.5
Performance: 9.0
Backup - Carlos Rosa
Notes: Soria has been fine since his return, but with Juan Cruz out the back up is untested likely Carlos Rosa.
Reports: None

American League West
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Los Angeles Angels
Brian Fuentes
Job Security: 9
Performance: 9
Backup - Kevin Jepsen, Darren Oliver
Notes: Fuentes has pitched very well, but only lefty Oliver has pitched well behind him. Righty Jepsen could get save chances if Fuentes goes down.
Reports: None
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Oakland Athletics
Andrew Bailey
Job Security: 9
Performance: 10
Backup - Brad Ziegler, Michael Wuertz

Notes: Bailey has been lights-out all year and is one of the best in 2009.  Wuertz or Ziegler could get save chances if Bailey goes down.
Reports
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Seattle Mariners
David Aardsma
Job Security: 9.0
Performance: 9.5
Backup - Mark Lowe
Notes: Aardsma has been brilliant.  Mark Lowe is the likely #2.
Reports
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Texas Rangers
Frank Francisco
Job Security: 8.5
Performance: 8.0
Backup - C.J. Wilson, Neftali Feliz
Notes: Francisco is off the DL and pitching okay. Wilson did very well, but is still the backup. Just keep an eye on Francisco's arm.
Reports