PLAYERS:
Jordan Walden,
LaTroy Hawkins,
Scott Downs,
Grant Balfour,
Brian Fuentes,
Joey Devine,
Brandon League,
Shawn Kelley,
George Sherrill,
Joe Nathan,
Mike Adams,
Koji Uehara
TEAMS: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers
TEAMS: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers
With the volatility of the closer spot on major league baseball teams, it is important to have a good idea of who are the main players in the bullpen because 30+% of the teams in the league are going to have a new closer at some point in the season. Here is a look at the current bullpen situations in the American League West:
Los Angeles Angels:
1. Jordan Walden - saved 32 games in his rookie season but also blew 10 saves. Needs to improve his control to limit walks. 2. LaTroy Hawkins - saved 11 games in 2009 but has not had any since then. Had 20 holds last season in Milwaukee, but strikeout rate has been dropping and move to American League will not help matters. 3. Scott Downs – has 10 saves over his last three seasons and has had a sub 3.00 ERA four of the last five years.
Oakland Athletics:
1. Grant Balfour - the favorite to close in Oakland following the trade of Andrew Bailey. Balfour has posted back-to-back seasons of a sub 2.50 ERA and a sub 1.09 W...
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