The Closer Grab Bag

Matt Capps -

Salamon Torres averaged .25 runs a game through 2006 or about a run every 4 games (He had similar stats in 2005). All of his numbers point to a 2005 Jose Mesa type closer. This basically means, be ready for a nail bitting, roller coaster of a time. Obviously Matt Capps is the better choice, however, Pittsburgh as shown a loyalty to players with major league experience under their belt. That being said, don't expect a quick transition over to Matt Capps this year, either we're going to see Salamon go out in a blaze of runs or we wait till next year for ol Capps.

Octavio Dotel -

The question everyone keeps asking is will this guy regain his closer status once he returns to the Royals. The plain and simple answer to that question is 100% yes. They brought him in with a plan and there is no way they're going to move away from this unless absolutely necessary. Look for Dotel to be back on the mound closing in mid May.

Brad Lidge -

Wheeler may not be the remedy, but Brad Lidge has forever lost his closing job. Forget about him, he's a Mitch Williams mess and shouldn't even be had in the deepest of leagues. He holds no value, unless of course you're running a Triple A fantasy league and are hoping he comes down to pitch for Round Rock. Then he's a nice pick up!

Brett Myers -

First of all, I would like to state that I don't agree with Myers in the pen in the first place. But since the Phillies disagree, he's been pushed into the role. Brett Myers should eventually find his way back to the rotation. Assuming Gordon stays healthy Brett shouldn't see more than 2 or 3 opportunities to save a game. Unless you have no other option, he's really not worth the hassle.

Al Reyes -

Yes, Al Reyes is for real. If he stays healthy we could be sitting on a WW goldmine. But staying healthy has been a big issue. If Mr. Reyes can avoid the DL, he can more than pitch. He's got great stuff and should have no problem closing games.

Mike McDougal -

Mike's the man in Chicago, Bobby Jenks is on a short leash with a manager who isn't afraid to choke out his players. Mike McDougal will fill in the role, he was warming up in Friday's Cleavland game just in case. That should settle any argument as to who would take over the duty, *cough Aardsma *cough.

Mariano Rivera -

Despite his recent woes, he's the Yankee's closer, there is just nothing you can do about it. Farnsworth might be able to knock him out but that might hurt his reputation with the team.

Joe Borowski -

Joe's still the closer in Cleveland and should hold the job for the time being. Sometimes I wonder if I could put on a Borowski jersey and throw a few pitches in the 9^th inning. I'm confident nobody would notice, I know I can be good at giving up home runs and walks..............I've always been good at that.