The Revolving Door
Birdman@fantasybaseballgeeks.com
It’s finally back! It’s the Revolving Door! I’m your host, Birdman, and I’ll take you through the wonderful (and anxiety-inducing) world of MLB closers!
Just a rundown of what this column is for the uninitiated: I tell you who’s hot, who’s not, and who’s close to losing their job, as well as their possible replacements.
Now before we get to the closers, I’d like to invite you to check out my Twitter feed for the Geeks. My handle is @FBGBirdman, and I’ll be updating you on the latest closer news.
Anyway, on to the 9th inning shenanigans!
Who’s Hot (stats are from past 15 days)
Neftali Feliz: 8 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 7 K, 7 saves, 4.50 ERA
Matt Capps - Icon SMI
After taking over the closer’s role from Frank Francisco, Feliz has had his rough spots (giving up 4 runs and 6 hits in two days at the end of April), but has really shut things down recently. He’s only given up one hit in his past six outings while striking out six. I honestly don’t see him giving up the 9th inning for a long time, so Feliz owners, don’t let go of this fireballer.
Matt Capps: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 5 saves, 1.29 ERA
Alright, raise your hand if you thought Matt Capps would be near the league lead in saves and sporting a sub-1 ERA. I expected a decent amount of saves, but not this many already. Capps, along with Tyler Clippard, have turned Nationals games into a 7-inning affair. I don’t expect these dazzling numbers to continue, but Capps will be the first option in Washington until he gives management a reason to take him out. Enjoy these numbers while you’ve got them.
Kevin Gregg: 8.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 10 K, 4 saves, 1.08 ERA
Another closer who’s been a pleasant surprise this season. The former Cub has blown only one save in 2010, and is in no danger of losing his grip on the 9th inning. Gregg owners should simply count their blessings and enjoy the ride while it lasts, because I really don’t think this is going to last, especially in the powerful AL East.
Who’s Not
Bobby Jenks: 4 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 1 save, 10.50 ERA
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Ozzie Guillen might look elsewhere the next time the White Sox have a save opportunity. My feeling is that Ozzie will simply give Jenks a few days off, but won’t take him out of the closer’s role entirely. However, if Jenks continues to falter, look at J.J. Putz or Matt Thornton as replacements.
Joakim Soria: 3 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 6 K, 2 saves, 9.00 ERA
Soria hasn’t been his normal self this season. He’s still getting saves, but giving up runs and hits more often than the past two seasons. I wouldn’t worry about him losing the closer’s role in Kansas City, but Soria owners probably aren’t too pleased with the inflated ERA and WHIP.
Who’s Available
Jose Contreras – With Ryan Madson on the DL and Brad Lidge still dealing with a stiff elbow, Contreras is definitely an attractive option for saves. Phillies brass continue to say Lidge is their closer, and as long as he’s healthy, that’s definitely true. But if you’re scrounging for saves and willing to burn a spot, Contreras is someone you might want to keep an eye on.
Alfredo Simon – Simon replaced Jim Johnson, who’s out with xxx, and has fared rather well in the 9th inning. While he has given up a few hits, he’s yet to yield a run and recorded three saves so far. He appears to be the first option for the Orioles should they have a lead, so snatch him up while he’s still relatively unknown.
Questions? Comments? Think I’m an idiot? Go ahead and comment in this article, or tweet me at @FBGBirdman.
