The season might be young, but fantasy managers are already hitting the waiver wire with hopes of claiming the next big closer. Injuries are also playing a large role as Francisco Rodriguez and Rafael Soriano are two closers who hit the disabled report within the last few days. Here’s a look at the closers to keep an eye on.

MANNY ACOSTA, RP, BRAVES
4 IP, 4 HITS, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 0 SAVES
There was already some uncertainty at the closer’s spot for the Braves, considering Mike Gonzalez is still recovering from surgery, and Rafael Soriano was unproven in the ninth inning. Elbow woes for Soriano has just further muddied the situation in Atlanta as two relievers will compete for the next save opportunity. Peter Moylan is a 30-year old Australian who enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons of any relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. His ERA was a stellar 1.80, and the opposition managed just a .208 average against him. Nonetheless, he only enjoyed one save, and using him in the final inning will hurt the team’s setup corps. On the other hand, Manny Acosta is more of a prospect that may specialize in closing. He is known for his velocity, and has plenty of closing experience in the Minor Leagues. The dilemma here is that he is also known for his wildness. In limited opportunities this season, Acosta has not impressed all that much, allowing 4 runs in 4 innings of work. His familiarity with the role should give Acosta the edge, but this is one of those situations where no fantasy manager will know who will be the next Braves closer until Bobby Cox makes up his mind in a game. Keep an eye on the Braves games for the next few days to discover who’s closing.

SCOT SHIELDS, RP, ANGELS
2.2 IP, 5 HITS, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 SAVES
The inevitable has occurred and that’s a sprained ankle for Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod is arguably the most dominant closer in Major League Baseball. In fact, the Angels likely did not have a plan B in place simply because they never needed one over the past few seasons. On that note, look for the Angels to find a temporary fix, which is likely Scot Shields. An experienced and polished reliever, Shields boasts a 2.95 career ERA and has struck out at least 77 hitters in the last 5 seasons. The one concern for Shields is that he has battled his own injuries lately. Fresh off the DL because of forearm inflammation, Shields may need a few outings to build up his arm strength. On that note, Shields filled in for K-Rod on Wednesday night and allowed a runner to score. The 34-year old right-hander Justin Speier is the other option for Mike Scioscia until one of the game’s most dominant closers returns to the hill.


CHAD CORDERO, RP, NATIONALS
ON DISABLED LIST
Fantasy managers are still waiting for the first glimpse of the Nationals closer. The shoulder injury that has zapped the velocity off Chad Cordero’s fastball has pushed back his return once again. Originally expected to return on Friday, the Nationals now hope Cordero pitches another fine inning of relief in the Minor Leagues before returning on Sunday at the earliest. Cordero’s fastballs have been clocked at 86-88 MPH, which is still well below his usual velocity. The 20th overall pick that was selected by the Expos in 2003 has enjoyed a great deal of success in his Major League season. Just 26 years old, Cordero has 128 saves under his belt. This is not the first time that conditioning, and health woes have plagued the stocky closer. The 6’11 Jon Rauch remains the de facto closer for the Nationals, however, he has allowed runs to score in three of his four appearances on the season.

CARLOS MARMOL, RP, CUBS
7 IP, 5 HITS, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 SAVE
Carlos Marmol is a failed starting pitcher who last year was placed into the bullpen. The Cubs reliever thrived in relief, offering a 1.43 ERA, with 96 K’s, while the opposition batted just .169. Marmol lost out to Kerry Wood for the closer’s position in Spring Training, which once again pins him in middle relief. Regardless, Marmol still offers plenty of value for fantasy managers. He already has one save this season, when Wood faltered. Plus he has 7 K’s and a stellar 0.86 WHIP. In other words, even in middle relief, Marmol should be owned in fantasy leagues. The second that Wood falters or gets injured, Marmol will be promoted. On Thursday, Marmol was rested after pitching in six of the first eight games of the season. On the occasions that Wood pitches a couple of days in a row, Marmol will likely get the opportunity to close the door when Wood rests the following day.

JOE BOROWSKI, RP, INDIANS
2.1 IP, 3 HITS, 4 BB, 2 K, 2 SAVES
Despite a 5.07 ERA last season, Joe Borowski shut the door for 45 saves for the Indians. Even with better arms on staff, Borowski is slated once again to close this season, however, after two early saves, the 36-year old may miss some time due to a tired arm. Lately, Borowski has been clocked at 85 miles per hour. After surrendering a grand slam in a blown save to the Angels, the fans chanted “Joe Must Go.” If Borowski were to be replaced, there are not any obvious replacements. Rafael Betancourt is a career middle reliever who has struggled in his limited opportunities as a closer. He also boasts a 8.10 ERA, which does not sit well for a promotion. The more intriguing option is Japanese import Masa Kobayashi. The 33-year old reliever enjoyed a great deal of success overseas and could eventually displace Borowski once he gets comfortable and enjoys some success in middle relief. For now, there are no quick fixes, fantasy managers have to live with Borowski.

CHEAP CLOSER OPTIONS:
JASON ISRINGHAUSEN, RP, CARDINALS
JOAKIM SORIA, RP, ROYALS
GEORGE SHERRILL, RP, ORIOLES
MATT CAPPS, RP, PIRATES
BRAD LIDGE, RP, PHILLIES

STRUGGLING CLOSERS:
BRIAN WILSON, RP, GIANTS
JEREMY ACCARDO, RP, BLUE JAYS
KERRY WOOD, RP, CUBS
JOSE VALVERDE, RP, ASTROS
ERIC GAGNE, RP, BREWERS