A Giant Problem
As you all have heard by now, the biggest news of the week centers around Giants closer Brian Wilson being shut down for the season. He’s been diagnosed with a moderate sprain of the UCL in his right elbow, and is likely headed for Tommy John surgery.
It’s a tough blow to the Giants bullpen and to fantasy owners everywhere who were invested in Wilson. Giants manager Bruce Bochy had indicated that he would use the dreaded “closer by committee” in the interim to fill the void at the back of their bullpen, though yesterday he publicly said that Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA the Matt Stairs tier)
For me, when I hear the name Matt Stairs, I think professional hitter. In a pinch hitting role however, Stairs literally knocked it out of the park. He holds the all-time record for most career pinch hit home runs with a remarkable 23. That’s just what these elite closers do as well; they knock it out of the park every time.
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
At this point last week, Kimbrel was sitting on just one save in one total appearance on the season. He has since improved to a perfect 4-for-4 on the season with six strikeouts and four walks in his four innings of work, and has yet to allow an earned run. He remains the best of the bunch.
While there were some rumblings that the greatest closer in history may finally be on the decline after his Opening Day meltdown, Mariano Rivera has rebounded very nicely. In his next three outings he picked up two saves and allowed just two hits, while striking out four. He possesses unquestioned job security and is still a great bet to finish the season with nearly 40 saves.
Jonathan Papelbon has been perfect in his first three save chances for the Phillies, though he has been a little shaky in his two non-save opportunities. John Axford has been perfect in his two save chances, but absolutely dreadful in two non-save opportunities. He’s already walked five batters in 2 2/3 innings this season, though all eight outs he’s recorded have been via the strikeout. Perhaps he’s just not getting amped up coming into the game with his team already trailing, but it’s something that’s worth monitoring.
Tier 2: Rock Steady (5) (AKA the Lenny Harris tier)
Lenny Harris holds the distinctions of having the most career pinch hits of all time (212) and also the most pinch hit appearances (804). Coming into a game cold and having to face a top notch bullpen arm is no easy task, and Harris excelled in the role with a .264 career average. As dependable and consistent as he was in that role, so are these closers when handed the ball in the ninth inning.
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Jason Motte is the new addition to the tier, and has started the season very strong. He’s perfect in his first two save chances and hasn’t walked a batter in his five innings of work. He seems to be locked in as the closer there and has the potential to strike out more than a batter per inning. Don’t be surprised if he ends up in the elite tier by season’s end.
Joel Hanrahan gave up a couple of runs in a non-save situation, but is perfect in his only save chance and also has picked up a win. He’s still a very nice option. J.J. Putz was perfect in his first four save chances, before allowing a Todd Helton two-run walk off homer his last time out. He’s still a very good option when healthy and should bounce back just fine. With the Angels struggling out of the gate, they have yet to provide a save chance for Jordan Walden. He’s been perfect in his two innings of relief thus far, most notably not walking a batter.
Mr. Perfect from a season ago, Jose Valverde has seen a bumpy start to the 2012 season. He’s still a steady option as he possesses tremendous job security, but the early results are concerning. Some argue (myself included), that he made it through last season based on smoke and mirrors and that a major regression was imminent. He sure looks very hittable right now, and Valverde owners would be wise to pick up Tier 3: OK Options (5) (AKA the Gates Brown tier)
Gates Brown’s entire career could be classified as mediocre, or OK. He was truly a role player and pinch hitter extraordinaire, only twice logging more than 300 at bats in a season, with a .257 career average. He is however, the American League’s leader in all time pinch hits with 107, hitting .258 in 414 appearances. Like Brown, the closers in this tier won’t lead you to a championship single-handedly, but they are necessary and quality pieces to have around.
Heath Bell, Miami Marlins
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Heath Bell takes the tumble down to the OK tier after a very miserable beginning to his second Marlins tenure. Bell blew each of his first two save chances, allowing four runs on eight hits in just one combined inning of work. In his lone appearance between the blown saves, Bell walked three but managed to escape without any damage being done. The velocity on his fastball continues to be down which is a very troubling sign. On the plus side, he did convert his first save last night, so perhaps he’s back on the rise.
Brandon League continues to be solid, if not spectacular. He’s a perfect 4-for-4 in his save chances and hasn’t allowed a run over six appearances. The low strikeout totals keep him from being elite, but you could do much worse than League.
Sergio Santos finally locked up his first save of the year on his third attempt Wednesday, and then promptly took a paternity leave from the team. Francisco Cordero hasn’t pitched well either, so there is no immediate threat to steal the job away from Santos. Still, he’d be wise to string together a couple of good outings.
Rafael Betancourt has always possessed the stuff required to be a top notch closer, but some have questioned whether he had the makeup or guile to succeed in that role. Thus far through three chances, he has looked the part. Tier 4: Question Marks (11) (The Brooks Conrad tier)
No one is going to confuse Brooks Conrad with being an elite power hitter or as someone who belongs in baseball’s record books. He’s merely a .229 career hitter who owns all of 14 career home runs. However, he does have the distinction of being the only player in MLB history to have multiple pinch hit, game winning grand slams. (Even more impressive, they both occurred in the same season). Like Conrad, these closers may not always be the person you want in the most crucial situation, but occasionally they can surprise you with greatness.
Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds
Frank Francisco, New York Mets
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers
Brett Myers, Houston Astros
Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals
Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox
Jim Johnson has been very impressive on the young season, starting a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances. He’ll never put up huge strikeout numbers, but he looks extremely comfortable in the closer’s role right now. Frank Francisco hasn’t received a save opportunity since the opening weekend, though he’s looked very good in every outing. He’s currently sporting a 7/2 strikeout to walk ratio.
It’s about time we start to give Javy Guerra at least a little bit of respect. He pitched well in the closer’s role late last season and has started 2012 with a bang. He was 5-for-5 in save chances, before blowing his first one last night. While Kenley Jansen may be the closer of the future, Guerra looks strong in the role for the time being. Another blow up though, and this situation may need to be reassessed.
Grant Balfour has pitched well at the back of the Athletics bullpen, and has converted all three of his save chances. His job security appears to be on the rise. Brett Myers may or may not be the subject of recent trade rumors, and has been perfect in his only two chances in the early going. Jonathan Broxton had an epic blown save in which he walked two and then hit consecutive batters to force in the winning run. He’s safe for now, but Greg Holland is lurking.
Tier 5: Rollercoaster Rides (5) (AKA the Carlos Zambrano tier)
While Carlos Zambrano is one of the greatest hitting pitchers of his generation (.241 career average, 23 home runs), he’s been absolutely abysmal when deployed as a pinch hitter (2-for-23, .087 average). He’s also prone to massive blowups and meltdowns, so he fits nicely in the rollercoaster category.
Chris Perez (first chair), Vinnie Pestano (second chair), Cleveland Indians
Henry Rodriguez (first chair), Brad Lidge (second chair), Washington Nationals
Alfredo Aceves (first chair), Mark Melancon (second chair), Boston Red Sox
Fernando Rodney (first chair), Joel Peralta (second chair), Tampa Bay Rays
Santiago Casilla (first chair), Sergio Romo (second chair), Javier Lopez (third chair), San Francisco Giants
Chris Perez has rebounded nicely after his rough first outings to pick up consecutive saves. He’s still someone who’s very difficult to trust however. Fernando Rodney isn’t the pitcher he once was, but has pitched extremely well for the Rays. He seems to be the guy to own until Kyle Farnsworth returns.
Of the two closing options in Washington, Henry Rodriguez has better stuff and more long term potential, while Brad Lidge provides that sought after veteran experience. Rodriguez has the look of a dominant closer, though he will need to cut down on the free passes if he wants the role to himself.
As has been mentioned earlier, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has said that Santiago Casilla would get the first shot at the closer’s role in San Francisco. He performed well in that role while Wilson was injured last year, and possesses the kind of stuff to be successful as a closer. Bochy prefers to keep Sergio Romo and Injured
Andrew Bailey, Boston Red Sox
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
The Steals Department
For those of you who are in desperate need of speed, a temporary job has opened up in the Kansas City outfield. While Lorenzo Cain is sidelined, burners Jarrod Dyson and Jason Bourgeois are the likely beneficiaries of increased playing time. Both are capable of providing multiple steals in short at-bats, and definitely worthy of a spot play. Especially in leagues with daily transactions, playing this platoon seems extremely beneficial.
Juan Pierre isn’t the player he once was, but he is receiving somewhat consistent at-bats at the top of the Phillies lineup. He won’t play against left handers and will give you nothing at all in the power departments, but deployed correctly can provide a temporary boost in stolen bases.
Another interesting option to consider, especially for those in deeper leagues, could be Carlos Gomez. He’s currently locked into a platoon situation with Nyjer Morgan, but he was started the season hot with the bat (7-for-20, .350) and could see an increase in playing time should Morgan continue to struggle. He’s always possessed blazing speed and could be a valuable addition should he start to see regular at-bats.
As you all have heard by now, the biggest news of the week centers around Giants closer Brian Wilson being shut down for the season. He’s been diagnosed with a moderate sprain of the UCL in his right elbow, and is likely headed for Tommy John surgery.
It’s a tough blow to the Giants bullpen and to fantasy owners everywhere who were invested in Wilson. Giants manager Bruce Bochy had indicated that he would use the dreaded “closer by committee” in the interim to fill the void at the back of their bullpen, though yesterday he publicly said that Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA the Matt Stairs tier)
For me, when I hear the name Matt Stairs, I think professional hitter. In a pinch hitting role however, Stairs literally knocked it out of the park. He holds the all-time record for most career pinch hit home runs with a remarkable 23. That’s just what these elite closers do as well; they knock it out of the park every time.
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
At this point last week, Kimbrel was sitting on just one save in one total appearance on the season. He has since improved to a perfect 4-for-4 on the season with six strikeouts and four walks in his four innings of work, and has yet to allow an earned run. He remains the best of the bunch.
While there were some rumblings that the greatest closer in history may finally be on the decline after his Opening Day meltdown, Mariano Rivera has rebounded very nicely. In his next three outings he picked up two saves and allowed just two hits, while striking out four. He possesses unquestioned job security and is still a great bet to finish the season with nearly 40 saves.
Jonathan Papelbon has been perfect in his first three save chances for the Phillies, though he has been a little shaky in his two non-save opportunities. John Axford has been perfect in his two save chances, but absolutely dreadful in two non-save opportunities. He’s already walked five batters in 2 2/3 innings this season, though all eight outs he’s recorded have been via the strikeout. Perhaps he’s just not getting amped up coming into the game with his team already trailing, but it’s something that’s worth monitoring.
Tier 2: Rock Steady (5) (AKA the Lenny Harris tier)
Lenny Harris holds the distinctions of having the most career pinch hits of all time (212) and also the most pinch hit appearances (804). Coming into a game cold and having to face a top notch bullpen arm is no easy task, and Harris excelled in the role with a .264 career average. As dependable and consistent as he was in that role, so are these closers when handed the ball in the ninth inning.
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Jason Motte is the new addition to the tier, and has started the season very strong. He’s perfect in his first two save chances and hasn’t walked a batter in his five innings of work. He seems to be locked in as the closer there and has the potential to strike out more than a batter per inning. Don’t be surprised if he ends up in the elite tier by season’s end.
Joel Hanrahan gave up a couple of runs in a non-save situation, but is perfect in his only save chance and also has picked up a win. He’s still a very nice option. J.J. Putz was perfect in his first four save chances, before allowing a Todd Helton two-run walk off homer his last time out. He’s still a very good option when healthy and should bounce back just fine. With the Angels struggling out of the gate, they have yet to provide a save chance for Jordan Walden. He’s been perfect in his two innings of relief thus far, most notably not walking a batter.
Mr. Perfect from a season ago, Jose Valverde has seen a bumpy start to the 2012 season. He’s still a steady option as he possesses tremendous job security, but the early results are concerning. Some argue (myself included), that he made it through last season based on smoke and mirrors and that a major regression was imminent. He sure looks very hittable right now, and Valverde owners would be wise to pick up Tier 3: OK Options (5) (AKA the Gates Brown tier)
Gates Brown’s entire career could be classified as mediocre, or OK. He was truly a role player and pinch hitter extraordinaire, only twice logging more than 300 at bats in a season, with a .257 career average. He is however, the American League’s leader in all time pinch hits with 107, hitting .258 in 414 appearances. Like Brown, the closers in this tier won’t lead you to a championship single-handedly, but they are necessary and quality pieces to have around.
Heath Bell, Miami Marlins
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Heath Bell takes the tumble down to the OK tier after a very miserable beginning to his second Marlins tenure. Bell blew each of his first two save chances, allowing four runs on eight hits in just one combined inning of work. In his lone appearance between the blown saves, Bell walked three but managed to escape without any damage being done. The velocity on his fastball continues to be down which is a very troubling sign. On the plus side, he did convert his first save last night, so perhaps he’s back on the rise.
Brandon League continues to be solid, if not spectacular. He’s a perfect 4-for-4 in his save chances and hasn’t allowed a run over six appearances. The low strikeout totals keep him from being elite, but you could do much worse than League.
Sergio Santos finally locked up his first save of the year on his third attempt Wednesday, and then promptly took a paternity leave from the team. Francisco Cordero hasn’t pitched well either, so there is no immediate threat to steal the job away from Santos. Still, he’d be wise to string together a couple of good outings.
Rafael Betancourt has always possessed the stuff required to be a top notch closer, but some have questioned whether he had the makeup or guile to succeed in that role. Thus far through three chances, he has looked the part. Tier 4: Question Marks (11) (The Brooks Conrad tier)
No one is going to confuse Brooks Conrad with being an elite power hitter or as someone who belongs in baseball’s record books. He’s merely a .229 career hitter who owns all of 14 career home runs. However, he does have the distinction of being the only player in MLB history to have multiple pinch hit, game winning grand slams. (Even more impressive, they both occurred in the same season). Like Conrad, these closers may not always be the person you want in the most crucial situation, but occasionally they can surprise you with greatness.
Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds
Frank Francisco, New York Mets
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers
Brett Myers, Houston Astros
Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals
Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox
Jim Johnson has been very impressive on the young season, starting a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances. He’ll never put up huge strikeout numbers, but he looks extremely comfortable in the closer’s role right now. Frank Francisco hasn’t received a save opportunity since the opening weekend, though he’s looked very good in every outing. He’s currently sporting a 7/2 strikeout to walk ratio.
It’s about time we start to give Javy Guerra at least a little bit of respect. He pitched well in the closer’s role late last season and has started 2012 with a bang. He was 5-for-5 in save chances, before blowing his first one last night. While Kenley Jansen may be the closer of the future, Guerra looks strong in the role for the time being. Another blow up though, and this situation may need to be reassessed.
Grant Balfour has pitched well at the back of the Athletics bullpen, and has converted all three of his save chances. His job security appears to be on the rise. Brett Myers may or may not be the subject of recent trade rumors, and has been perfect in his only two chances in the early going. Jonathan Broxton had an epic blown save in which he walked two and then hit consecutive batters to force in the winning run. He’s safe for now, but Greg Holland is lurking.
Tier 5: Rollercoaster Rides (5) (AKA the Carlos Zambrano tier)
While Carlos Zambrano is one of the greatest hitting pitchers of his generation (.241 career average, 23 home runs), he’s been absolutely abysmal when deployed as a pinch hitter (2-for-23, .087 average). He’s also prone to massive blowups and meltdowns, so he fits nicely in the rollercoaster category.
Chris Perez (first chair), Vinnie Pestano (second chair), Cleveland Indians
Henry Rodriguez (first chair), Brad Lidge (second chair), Washington Nationals
Alfredo Aceves (first chair), Mark Melancon (second chair), Boston Red Sox
Fernando Rodney (first chair), Joel Peralta (second chair), Tampa Bay Rays
Santiago Casilla (first chair), Sergio Romo (second chair), Javier Lopez (third chair), San Francisco Giants
Chris Perez has rebounded nicely after his rough first outings to pick up consecutive saves. He’s still someone who’s very difficult to trust however. Fernando Rodney isn’t the pitcher he once was, but has pitched extremely well for the Rays. He seems to be the guy to own until Kyle Farnsworth returns.
Of the two closing options in Washington, Henry Rodriguez has better stuff and more long term potential, while Brad Lidge provides that sought after veteran experience. Rodriguez has the look of a dominant closer, though he will need to cut down on the free passes if he wants the role to himself.
As has been mentioned earlier, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has said that Santiago Casilla would get the first shot at the closer’s role in San Francisco. He performed well in that role while Wilson was injured last year, and possesses the kind of stuff to be successful as a closer. Bochy prefers to keep Sergio Romo and Injured
Andrew Bailey, Boston Red Sox
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
The Steals Department
For those of you who are in desperate need of speed, a temporary job has opened up in the Kansas City outfield. While Lorenzo Cain is sidelined, burners Jarrod Dyson and Jason Bourgeois are the likely beneficiaries of increased playing time. Both are capable of providing multiple steals in short at-bats, and definitely worthy of a spot play. Especially in leagues with daily transactions, playing this platoon seems extremely beneficial.
Juan Pierre isn’t the player he once was, but he is receiving somewhat consistent at-bats at the top of the Phillies lineup. He won’t play against left handers and will give you nothing at all in the power departments, but deployed correctly can provide a temporary boost in stolen bases.
Another interesting option to consider, especially for those in deeper leagues, could be Carlos Gomez. He’s currently locked into a platoon situation with Nyjer Morgan, but he was started the season hot with the bat (7-for-20, .350) and could see an increase in playing time should Morgan continue to struggle. He’s always possessed blazing speed and could be a valuable addition should he start to see regular at-bats.
