NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
Current closer-Brad Lidge
Waiting in the wings-Ryan Madson
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 70%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Lidge probably had one of the worst seasons a closer ever had in 2009 and managed to rebound in 2010 dominating the second half of the season after getting off to a slow start. The Phillies have arguably the best rotation in all of baseball making whoever closes for them an instant top ten option based on opportunities alone. The question is will the 2009 or late 2010 Brad Lidge show up. The numbers lean a little to the latter, but you never know. At least with Ligde that is.
Atlanta Braves
Current closer-Craig Kimbrel
Waiting in the wings - Jonny Venters
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 70%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Kimbrel is the closer of the future and has the stuff to back it up. In 20 innings last year for the Braves, Kimbrel posted an ERA of .44 whilst striking out 40. Kimbrel needs to limit the walks before he can be considered an elite option. The Braves will supply him with plenty of ops and Kimbrel has the makings of a high reward sleeper option that could be the difference for your team next season.
Florida Marlins
Current closer-Leo Nunez
Waiting in the wings-Clay Hensley
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 20%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Nunez was on a roll in 2010 and then August happened where he gave up at least 1 run in 7 out of 10 games. Clay Hensley stepped in and had a decent showing worthy enough to make him the team’s closer in 2011. However, Nunez has more raw potential and the Marlins appear set on giving the ball to Nunez in the 9th until he gives them a reason not to. The leash may be short, but I would reserve Nunez for the later rounds and would make sure to grab Hensley as the handcuff just to be safe.
New York Mets
Current closer-Francisco Rodriguez
Waiting in the wings-Manny Acosta
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 30%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Rodriguez was actually having a decent season before he decided to cut a promo on his father in law. K-Rod should enter the season as the team’s closer and could be a decent top 7 option. The Mets were clearly not happy with him and we’ll continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds during spring training.
Washington Nationals
Current closer-Drew Storen
Waiting in the wings-Tyler Clippard
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 20%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Storen has the stuff to be a top closer, but needs to tighten up his control before fantasy owners can use him with confidence. The Nationals are once again in a rebuilding year so save ops will be few and far between making Storen more of an attractive keeper league option.
NL Central
Cincinnati Reds
Current closer-Francisco Cordero
Waiting in the wings-Aroldis Chapman
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 80%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Cordero ended the year with 40 saves, but it was quite a roller coaster ride to get him there. Cordero opened the year 9 for 10 in save opps, but ended the year with a 6.75 ERA in September. Cordero will be the closer and should get plenty of ops as the Reds will contend again, however, he is 35 years old and the Reds could be looking to see what Chapman can do.
St. Louis Cardinals
Current closer-Ryan Franklin
Waiting in the wings-Kyle McClellan
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 40%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Franklin came out of nowhere and saved 38 games in 2009. Franklin managed to save only 29 games in 2010. Franklin is a notoriously streaky closer and seems to hit a wall at some point each season which is a concern. The Cardinals will give him plenty of save ops. Also grabbing Kyle McClellan as the handcuff would be a wise move just in case.
Milwaukee Brewers
Current closer-John Axford
Waiting in the wings-Takashi Saito
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 80%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Axford took over as the team’s primary closer at mid season and was 24-27 in save ops after the All Star break. Axford has tons of potential and the combination of his high strikeout potential and 35-40 saves make him a nice play heading into the 2011 season. The Brewers worked on revamping their rotation in the offseason which should lead to even more save opportunities.
Houston Astros
Current closer-Brandon Lyon
Waiting in the wings-Wilton Lopez
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 70%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Lyon posted 20 saves in 2010 filling in for an injured Matt Lindstrom. The 20 saves is quite impressive considering he was not the full-time closer. Lindstrom is now gone and Lyon enters the season as the club’s full-time closer. Lyon will be consistent and could reach 35 saves, but his low strikeout totals make him more of an option for deeper leagues.
Chicago Cubs
Current closer-Carlos Marmol
Waiting in the wings-Kerry Wood
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 90%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Marmol finally got his shot to be the full-time closer and put up some big numbers along the way. Marmol set the MLB record for relievers with a 15.99 K’s per 9 innings whilst posting 38 saves in 43 chances. You never know what is going to happen when he enters the game, but his numbers make him a top ten closer on draft day.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Current closer-Joel Hanrahan
Waiting in the wings-Evan Meek
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 20%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Hanrahan is the closer on paper, but this is headed to a battle in spring training with the winner being named the closer. Meek and Hanrahan alternated closing ops to end the season in 2010 and either could be a decent low end option in deeper leagues in 2011. Hanrahan has the experience, but Meek has more long term potential.
NL West
San Francisco Giants
Current closer-Brian Wilson
Waiting in the wings-Sergio Romo
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 100%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Only a budding comedy career seems like a cause for concern with Wilson.
San Diego Padres
Current closer-Heath Bell
Waiting in the wings-Mike Adams
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 100%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: The loss of Adrian Gonzalez may make it harder for Bell to reproduce 47 saves again, but a better defensive infield should help lower his overall ERA helping him to produce gaudy numbers once again this year. Bell is a top three reliever.
Colorado Rockies
Current closer-Houston Street
Waiting in the wings-Matt Lindstrom
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 30%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Street still managed to post 20 saves after missing a significant amount of time due to injuries. Street can get it done, but whether he can remain healthy is the biggest question with him. Handcuffing him with Lindstrom is a necessity. Street is healthy heading into this season and should start the season as the team’s number one closer barring injury.
LA Dodgers
Current closer-Jonathan Broxton
Waiting in the wings-Hong-Chih Kuo
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 50%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Broxton entered last season as a top 5 closer and ended the season as a set up man. HCK took over the role and had a decent amount of success. Broxton will have an opportunity to win the job back in the spring. The Dodgers have endorsed Broxton as their current closer, however, he’ll need to have a strong spring showing to keep the job.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Current closer- J.J. Putz
Waiting in the wings- Juan Gutierrez
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 70%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Putz was able to put together a decent campaign pitching in relief for the White Sox last season after battling elbow issues for the two previous seasons. Putz has the ability to be a top closer and his health and the number of save ops the Diamondbacks give him are keeping him from just out of the top 5 closers on draft day. Putz had a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP last season over 54 innings pitched.
AL East
Boston Red Sox
Current closer-Jonathan Papelbon
Waiting in the wings-Bobby Jenks, Daniel Bard
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 50%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Papelbon was tied for the league lead with 8 blown saves in 2010. The Red Sox have made their intentions known this offseason that they are ready to move on. Papelbon’s numbers have been on the decline over the past few years, which is a major cause for concern. Bobby Jenks will get the first shot at saves should Pap falter, get injured or traded. Daniel Bard is the long term option and should be picked up in keeper leagues.
Tampa Bay Rays
Current closer-Kyle Farnsworth
Waiting in the wings-Jake McGee
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 0%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Farnsworth was just recently signed by the Rays and has seemed to get it going the last few seasons but we are not sure he is closer material. Farnsworth may get the initial shot and it is up to him as to how long it lasts. Could be a week and it could be all season. Consider him in only the deepest of leagues.
New York Yankees
Current closer-Mariano Rivera
Waiting in the wings-Rafeal Soriano
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 80%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Riveria still gets it done, but injuries are beginning to take their toll on the long time Yankee closer. The signing of Soriano has been questioned, but could come up huge should Riveria miss a significant amount of time. The Yankees now have a solid option in the 8th signaling less work for Riveria.
Baltimore Orioles
Current closer-Kevin Gregg
Waiting in the wings-Koji Uehara
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 60%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Gregg has averaged over 30 saves the last four seasons. The revamped O’s should give him a few more opportunities, but the AL East is loaded this year devaluing him slightly. Uehara is first in line, but only if he can manage to stay healthy. Consider Gregg a low end number 2 closer option.
Toronto Blue Jays
Current closer-Frank Francisco
Waiting in the wings-Octavio Dotel, Jon Rauch
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 10%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Dotel is the closer on paper, but this situation is heading to a spring training battle between Dotel, Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch and it seems to be trending towards Francisco at the moment. Fancisco’s ineffectiveness as the closer for the Rangers paved the way for eventual ROY Neftali Feliz. However, his high strikeout numbers and low WHIP would make him a serviceable low end closer. The job should be Francisco’s based on ability. A strong spring from either Dotel, Francisco or Rauch could land them as the closer.
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Current closer-Matt Capps
Waiting in the wings-Jose Mijares, Joe Nathan
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 30%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Capps posted 42 saves splitting time between the Nationals and the Twins in 2010. His numbers make him a great option, but the arrival of Joe Nathan will take away his opps. Nathan missed the entire 2010 season due to an elbow injury and it is his job should he be healthy enough to take it. Capps is penciled in as the team’s closer until Nathan is healthy enough to return. Consider Capps a low end 2nd or 3rd closer option on draft day.
Detroit Tigers
Current closer-Jose Valverde
Waiting in the wings-Joaquin Benoit
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 30%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Valverde is the closer by default. Valverde was on fire the first half of last season posting a 0.92 ERA and 19 saves before the All Star break. The rest of the way was a different story as he was unable to stay healthy posting only 7 saves the remainder of the season. Valverde will need a strong spring to keep his job as the Tigers will turn to Benoit if Valverde is unable to get it going.
Chicago White Sox
Current closer-Matt Thornton
Waiting in the wings-Chris Sale, Jesse Crain
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 40%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Thornton has the edge to become the team’s closer in 2011 based on his career high 8 saves in 2010 filling in for the now departed Bobby Jenks. This has all the makeup of a spring training battle and the best performer will win the job. Thornton is a solid option in deeper leagues, should he win the role. Sale is a hard thrower and could be a nice stash in deep keeper leagues.
Cleveland Indians
Current closer-Chris Perez
Waiting in the wings-Rafeal Perez
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 60%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Perez exploded onto the scene in 2010 when he was finally given the job after Kerry Wood was dealt to the Yankees. Perez posted a 0.76 ERA and was 14-16 in save opps after July. Look for the good times to continue in 2011. Perez will struggle for opps on a poor Cleveland team, but should make the most of what he is given Soria style.
Kansas City Royals
Current closer-Joakim Soria
Waiting in the wings-Jeremy Jeffress
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 100%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Soria had a career high 43 saves for the Royals last season whilst posting a 1.78 ERA. Soria has to make the most of his chances since the Royals are not going to give him many. Soria should be one of the first closers taken on draft day.
AL West
Texas Rangers
Current closer-Neftali Feliz
Waiting in the wings-Alexi Ogando, Darren O’Day
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 100%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Feliz was dominant in 2010 winning ROY honors. Rumors out of Texas have the Rangers thinking about returning Feliz to the rotation. We’d be shocked if they did, but it is worth keeping an eye on. Other than that, should be clear sailing from here on barring injury. Alexi Ogando could get the first crack at the closers role should Feliz jump into the rotation.
Oakland A’s
Current closer-Andrew Bailey
Waiting in the wings-Brian Fuentes
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 70%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Bailey pitched well when he was healthy. Late season elbow surgery may cause him to miss spring training putting Fuentes in line to close. Bailey posts a solid WHIP and ERA, but his relatively low strikeout numbers keep him from being an elite closer. Fuentes should only be used in the deepest of leagues should he hold the job waiting for Bailey to return.
LA Angels
Current closer-Fernando Rodney
Waiting in the wings-Scott Downs, Kevin Jepsen
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 0%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Rodney is the closer based solely on the fact that he ended the 2010 season as the team’s closer. 7 blown saves in 21 opps is enough cause for concern. A spring training battle will shake things out as the Angels will look to move on from him at the first sign of trouble. Consider Rodney in only the deepest of leagues.
Seattle Mariners
Current closer-Brandon League
Waiting in the wings-David Aardsma
FantasyCPR Confidence Level: 30%
FantasyCPR Expert Analysis: Aardsma had a decent 2010 showing after having a breakout 2009. However, will miss possibly the first month of the season following off season hip surgery. The job is League’s for now and can keep it with a strong spring. The Mariners have been looking to move on from Aardsma and League can help them do so. League has high strike out potential, but opportunities will be a concern. Aardsma is just getting around to walking without crutches possibly pushing back his return a few weeks.
Original Story:
http://fantasycpr.com/2011/02/28/2011...
