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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 105  0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Over the past 4 season, Papelbon has saved 151 games, posted an ERA under 2.00, and a WHIP under 1.00. With the Red Sox set to be one of the game's best teams once again, there is no reason why Paps can't approach 40 saves in 2010. 3-40-1.90-1.00-75 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Papelbon posted the highest WHIP of his career last season (1.15) and saw a slight drop in his saves total as well. That's all I've got for negatives. 3-35-2.20-1.10-70 in 65 IP |
Analysis:
Some will debate which of Papelbon or Mariano Rivera is the better option, but the truth is, you can't go wrong with either guy. It's like having to choose between dating a hot blonde or hot brunette. The only real difference is that the younger Papelbon doesn't carry to risk of physical breakdown that the 40-year old Rivera does, but Rivera carries to potential to save more games. 3-38-2.10-1.05-75 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 77 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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25 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 117 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Let's see... he pitches for the defending world champions, is coming off of a 44 save season, and is perhaps the greatest closer of all time. Plus, I'm pretty sure he is a robot. 5-43-1.90-0.90-75 in 65 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
He turned 40 this off-season, and eventually every player's skills start to deteriorate, even those you are convinced are actually robots. Could this be the season that Mo proves to be human? 3-33-2.50-1.05-55 in 50 IP |
Analysis:
When it comes down to it, Rivera is still amongst the best, if not the best closer in the game. Yes, he is getting up there in age, but he has shown no indication of breaking down whatsoever. Rivera is just as reliable as ever. 3-40-2.10-0.95-70 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 76 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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25 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 136 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Broxton Struck out more people than starters Derek Lowe, Jon Garland or Joel Pineiro. A lot of people ignore the effects of closer statistics on their overall numbers, but wouldn't you rather have Max Scherzer than Jason Hammel? Broxton struck out 42 more than Mariano Rivera. 5-40-2.40-1.05-110 in 85 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
The strikeout were nice, but the seven wins were Broxton's main boost. Vulture wins like this are next to impossible to predict. With an unlikely looking starting rotation and the possibility of a fire sale as mentioned in the recently made public business plan, it's not a certain thing that he will be able to improve upon his 36 saves from 2009. 3-35-3.10-1.20-85 in 70 IP |
Analysis:
Because of his superlative strikeout totals (better than some low-end starters), Broxton is one of the few closers worth an investment. While his save totals may not equal other closers, and one shouldn't expect a repeat of the seven wins, they certainly won't be that much worse. As a result we like him better than some of the usual candidates. 5-38-2.75-1.10-95 in 75 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 25 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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25 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 174 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
K-Rod is the major league single-season record-holder in saves. And despite a bit of a tumble the past two seasons, he still strikes out around 10 per nine innings. As a 65-70 IP reliever, the non-elite WHIP is not really an issue and last season's 3.71 ERA was his first time over 3.00 since his rookie season as a set-up guy in Anaheim. He's pitching in a good park with a team that should enjoy quite a lot better health. You'd prefer a bit more help in the bullpen, but with Maine and Santana theoretically healthy, K-Rod should get more opportunities to pick up saves. 3-40-3.05-1.15-80 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
K/9 since 2007: 12.03, 10.14, 9.66 and although it is admittedly a small sample, he threw out a less than acceptable 6.75/1.42 line after the break last season. The Angels probably don't regret sending him out in the final week in non-save situations when the team had clinched the play-offs during his record breaking year, but perhaps the Mets have some thought on that. He looks like he is injured. 3-33-3.60-1.25-65 in 55 IP |
Analysis:
What does the major league season record holder in saves have to do to get a little respect? For one, stop walking five per nine innings pitched. Clearly K-Rod could be just a rung below the elite closers if he is healthy and the Mets deliver him opportunities. But (see negatives), he sure looks like there is something wrong. Perhaps the off-season has fixed it, and he was excellent before the break last season (23 saves 1.90 ERA), but there are likely other save options at this price, it's too much risk for too little impact on your staff. 3-35-3.50-1.20-73 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 88 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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23 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 105 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Soria will get you the saves you desire and even rack up an impressive strikeout total. 3-38-1.90-0.95-80 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Soria hit the DL last year and could be a repeat offender. Also, playing for the Royals will limit his save chances. 3-28-2.40-1.15-65 in 55 IP |
Analysis:
Soria should end up as a top-10 closer by year's end, but be careful spending too much for him. Playing for the Royals will offer less save opportunities than your average closer. 3-33-2.10-1.05-75 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 100 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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22 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 115 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Bell is one of the better strikeout closers out there, so he'll be a factor in the overall totals. 5-38-2.80-1.10-80 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
42 saves is a lot. On an uninspiring Padres team, it's unlikely Bell repeats that gaudy total. many expect the Padres to trade him at the deadline, meaning he might go back to being a set-up man in August and September. 3-30-3.00-1.18-75 in 65 IP |
Analysis:
Heath Bell turned in a stellar 2009, finishing as a Top 5 closer. His excellent season will inflate his 2010 draft value so, despite his potential, you'll find better value deeper in the draft. 5-33-2.90-1.15-80 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 101 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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22 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 85 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Job security makes Cordero a highly sought after reliever. He won't blow you away in any category expect for saves. 3-38-2.80-1.30-70 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
2.18 '09 ERA was a mirage. He's getting up in age and could start losing some zip on his fastball. 3-30-3.40-1.40-50 in 58 IP |
Analysis:
Francisco Cordero has one of the safest gigs in all of baseball. If only the Reds could win more games... He makes a ton of money on team with a low payroll, with no one remotely capable behind him, and he does the job effectively enough. The only time he won't be closing games is if he's hurt. Cordero's the perfect closer for the player who doesn't want fish for saves all season long. 3-35-3.10-1.35-60 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 107 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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21 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 84 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Bailey is fairly intriguing, because although the A's curtailed his innings as the season wore along, he was getting more than an inning a turn after he turned closer early in the season. As a result, the 91 strikeouts he posted don't look like a product of longer set-up appearances. Leading credence to believe his control was real, Bailey only walked two batters in 22 appearances from August on. If the improvement in control is real, and the A's continue to give him this much work (almost a necessity with the starting rotation currently on tap), Bailey looks like a poor man's Johnathan Broxton. 5-35-2.75-1.00-90 in 80 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
All that it would take for Bailey to become irrelevant would be for him to return to walking four a game as he did throughout his minor league career and giving up a normal number of home runs on his excessive fly ball rate. Worse, if Joey Devine is healthy and effective (he of the 0.59/0.83 in 2008) during a Bailey cold stretch, Bailey could lose the job altogether. 5-20-3.50-1.30-75 in 65 IP |
Analysis:
The A's started 2009 with two leading candidates to be their closer (Joey Devine and Brad Ziegler) and ended up with a third, Bailey, saving 26 games. Bailey, who was mainly a starter at Wagner College and then through the lower minors, was converted into a reliever during the 2008 season at double-A Midland, where he enjoyed only mixed success. He rode into the Arizona Fall League where he was, in an admittedly small sample, lights out, earning himself a ticket to the majors and eventually the plum bullpen role.
He was so good that neither Ziegler (terrific in '08 but not generally thought of as more than a fill-in closer) and Devine (who was also good in 2008 and had been groomed as the closer) are talked about as this season's closer despite pro forma "competition is open" kinds of talk.
There are some reason to be nervous about his repeating the 1.84/0.88 line of 2009. He walked only 2.59 per inning, which was by far his lowest mark (only equaled in his junior year of college), and he had a stingy 5.6 HR/FB mark. A more normal HR/FB rate is 10% and Bailey is a fly ball type pitcher, so a change there could hurt. Even so, pitchers often have better control when converted to relief, as they use a smaller collection of their pitches, and HR/FB rates are notorious for not regressing on a season-by-season basis. It's a pretty mild cautionary.
The prime question for Bailey seems to be whether the A's will deliver save opportunities to the ninth inning. Given the composition of their rotation (not a good sign when you sign Jason Jennings and Brett Tomko on the same day) there looks to be plenty of bullpen work, but saves?
We like Bailey. 5-30-3.00-1.15-75 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 117 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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20 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 119 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Job security. The Tigers made the move to get Valverde because their bullpen is pretty dreadful. Valverde should be in line for 35-45 save chances while helping your ratios and strikeout numbers. 3-40-2.50-1.10-70 in 65 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Playing on the Tigers. Because of their brutal bullpen Valverde could see fewer save opportunities than he's accustom to. Detroit's leads may not make it to him in the 9th inning. 3-30-3.10-1.20-65 in 55 IP |
Analysis:
Jose Valverde takes over the closer job for the Tigers this season after Fernando Rodney left via free agency. Look for Valverde to rack up a good number of saves for the Tigers. He should be able to post above average ratios, while striking out around a batter per inning. 3-35-2.90-1.15-65 in 60 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 118 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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20 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 107 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Marmol has some of the best stuff in the game and strikes out a ton a guys for a reliever (93 in 74 IP in 09). With Kevin Gregg out of Chicago, and the Cubs likely to win more games in 2010, Marmol should be able to double the 15 saves he recorded in the 2009. He is clearly one of the more intriguing young arms in the game. 3-35-3.10-1.25-95 in 75 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Walks. Lots of walks. In his 74 IP last year, Marmol walked 65 batters. For perspective, he only allowed 43 hits. The huge walks total will prevent him from posting a great WHIP. Last year it was 1.46, and giving guys free bases is a great way to blow saves. 3-25-3.55-1.40-90 in 70 IP |
Analysis:
Marmol needs to learn to tone it down some. His intensity leads to the control problems I discussed, but I think he learns to harness his incredible stuff this year. I like Marmol to outproduce his cost/draft position. 3-30-3.25-1.30-95 in 75 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 125 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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20 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 83 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Wilson pitches a lot of innings and can provide help in WHIP and strikeouts on top of saves. 3-40-2.95-1.1.20-85 in 73 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Because the Giants turn to Wilson in non-save opportunities, he comes up with a fair share of losses. If your league counts losses, you may want to look in a different direction. 3-30-3.65-1.30-70 in 60 IP |
Analysis:
This Brian Wilson may not pump out jams like Good Vibrations and Surfin' USA, but he should pile up the saves anyways. Wilson might possibly hurt your ERA, but he'll be an excellent contributor in K and WHIP. 3-35-3.15-1.25-80 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 119 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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20 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 97 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Street is a flamethrower and should get a ton of save changes on a quality Rockies team. He'll help in saves, K, and WHIP, while not killing your ERA. 5-35-3.20-1.10-70 in 65 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Injuries have plagued Street in the past, but two consecutive seasons at full strength would have me believe those days are behind him. 5-35-3.20-1.10-70 in 65 IP |
Analysis:
Street is back and has a crew of fireballers setting him up to make sure the lead is still there by the time the ninth comes around. He should have a good chance of improving on his 35 saves from last year. 5-35-3.20-1.10-70 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 124 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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20 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 102 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Saves. The Angels plays a lot of close games, which gives Fuentes ample opportunity to pile them up. 3-45-3.10-1.20-55 in 60 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
His ERA & WHIP are borderline embarrassing for a closer, and with his heavy volume of innings, they'll actually hurt your overall totals. And he could lose his job. 3-25-4.00-1.40-45 in 60 IP |
Analysis:
Fuentes did lead the league in saves with 48, but his ERA and WHIP got out of control. I don’t expect the Angles to be nearly as good as last year with their loss of talent plus the improvement of the division's other teams, so look for his opportunities to diminish. The signing of Fernando Rodney would lead me to believe that Fuentes may not have the long leash that he had in 2009. 3-35-3.60-1.30-50 in 60 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 136 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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19 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 105 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Soriano flashed some dominant stuff in 2009, saving 27 games in 31 chances for Atlanta, while holding opposing batters to a BA of .194. His trade to Tampa Bay and subsequent $7.25 million contract guarantees him a stranglehold on the closer job for at least the foreseeable future. The Rays typically generate plenty of closing chances, as their relievers combined for 63 save opportunities in '09. Soriano could be the missing piece in a bullpen that blew an unacceptable 22 save chances in 2009, and his wicked stuff could produce some very strong numbers in '10.
5-35-2.65-1.10-95 in 80 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Soriano has battled shoulder and elbow problems his entire career and missed a big chunk of the 2008 season due to an elbow problem that eventually required surgery. While he has been very effective when healthy, his inability to consistently stay on the field should make a potential fantasy owner very leery indeed. 3-15-3.40-1.20-45 in 55 IP. |
Analysis:
Two words are the key with Soriano: "If healthy." There is no doubting his closer's stuff, and he should rack up plenty of saves as the Rays' ninth-inning man -- as long as he can stay on the field. While it wouldn't surprise us to see Soriano spend some time on the DL, we're willing to bet that he remains healthy enough to be a useful fantasy reliever this year. 5-30-2.85-1.15-80 in 65 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 135 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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19 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 85 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
If Aardsma can keep his 2009 momentum going into this year, he'll be an excellent source of saves, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP. 3-38-3.10-1.20-80 in 70 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
2009 could have been a mirage and Aardsma falls back to earth this season. 3-20-3.90-1.50-60 in 50 IP |
Analysis:
Aardsma is currently the 15th closer coming off the board despite his highly successful 2009 campaign. I’m a huge proponent of waiting for closers in the middle-to-late rounds, and Aardsma is a guy who can be had for cheap and produce like a #1 closer. 3-33-3.30-1.30-70 in 60 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 135 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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19 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 103 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
What started off as an open audition for the closer job last season ended when Franklin ran away with the job. He finished with tremendous numbers, including a sub-2.00 ERA and 38 saves. Closing games for one of the NL's best will guarantee plenty of save opportunities again in 2010. 3-35-2.80-1.20-40 in 60 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Prior to his tremendous 2009 season, Ryan Franklin was nothing more than a serviceable set-up man. He'd had some good seasons but just as many mediocre ones. At 36, it looked like he was going to finish out his career with a couple of more years pitching in middle relief. Once given the opportunity, Franklin certainly stepped up last season, but a big regression is likely. 3-20-3.60-1.40-35 in 55 IP |
Analysis:
Franklin is the latest of Dave Duncan's projects, and this one earns an A+ in my book. However, it is clear that Franklin is not as good of a pitcher as his 2009 totals reflect. If Franklin falters, it wouldn't be the first time one of Duncan's projects ended up being a one year wonder. Plus, with young arms like Jason Motte waiting in the trenches, Franklin's leash will probably be shorter than most guys coming off of 38-save seasons. 3-30-3.10-1.30-40 in 60 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 133 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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19 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 107 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
The most encouraging aspect of Jenks' 2009 campaign was that he once again showed he could strike batters out. In 2008, his SO/9 rate had plummeted to 5.5 SO/9, but last year he finished with a solid 8.3 SO/9, to some extent allaying fears that his stuff had fallen off. Jenks has reportedly lost 25 pounds during the offseason, and while it's hard to quantify whether this will have a noticeable impact on his performance, it suggests a maturity that may prove helpful in turning the page on last year. |
Negatives/Downside:
Last season was a bit of a mess for Jenks. His HR/9 rate spiked, increasing from 0.4 in 2008 to 1.5, and he became more hittable, allowing nearly a hit per inning. These numbers fueled a rise in ERA and WHIP, contributing to 6 BS and a career-low 83% save percentage. Often, relievers have a short shelf-life, and given Jenks' decreasing effectiveness, there is reason to worry he may no longer be a strong Cl option. |
Analysis:
Despite the down year, Jenks is primed to be a pretty good value pick. The high ERA may scare some away, but he should still at least be effective enough to hang onto the closer role and accumulate saves and solid strikeout numbers. Plus, most of his problems came during a disastrous August in which his ERA for the month was 8.59, but he finished well, giving him a good chance to post numbers closer to his pre-2009 norms. 3-34-3.40-1.26-50 in 58 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 154 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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17 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 72 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He's Cheap and he's on a good team. Madson doesn't have the team's confidence and Aumont will be starting and not relieving. 4-40-3.00-1.20-85. 70IP |
Negatives/Downside:
The organization was clearly uncomfortable with Lidge and Madson as their end game options going down the stretch. Lidge will get a short leash in 2010. Add in the injury risk and it's a formula for adding uncertainty to your team. 2-25-4.50-1.40-60-60IP |
Analysis:
Lidge started throwing on schedule this spring and appears to be on schedule to open the season, presumably as the Phillies closer. After some denial of this, Lidge underwent treatment for both elbow and knee problems and now, at age 33, has to be considered an even larger injury risk than normal. It's hard to remember in this era of the ageless Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera, that generally closers have short careers and that Lidge has been having these issues since averaging 76 games in his first four seasons as the Astro's set-up man, then closer.
That said, even with a decline in his strikeout rates, probably due to the injury, he was still striking out well over a batter an inning. Ryan Madson has clearly not earned the organizations respect in the prime time role, and the Phillies have already announced that Phillipe Aumont, the prime prospect brought over in the Cliff Lee deal will be a starter and not a closer as had been rumoured. The Phillies are still the class of the national League so it's hard to imagine their closer will not get ample opportunities.
We're very Bullish on a cheap Brad Lidge, don't count on 2008 levels but as long as he is able to start the year as the closer, we suspect he holds his job another season. 4-35-3.50-1.35-70. 65IP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 178 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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15 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 84 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
The previous time Dotel has been asked to assume the closing roles they were in high pressure situations in New York and the then contending Oakland A's teams. In Pittsburgh there will be very little pressure and probably no competition. Dotel struckout nearly 11 per nine IP in 2009 and seems like a good bet to accumulate some saves even if he is not a top notch ERA guy. 4-30-3.50-1.20-85. 70IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Dotel has not posted an ERA below 3 on the major league level since 2003. He's 36. He walked over five a game last season. He's AVERAGED 9.5 home runs over the past two seasons. He's failed each time he's been asked to close and it's the bleeding PIRATES fer crying out loud. Isn't Bob Wickman still out there somewhere? 6-15-4.50-1.50-65. 50IP |
Analysis:
Many moons ago Octavio Dotel was the annointed closer in waiting for the Mets, the Astros, then the Athletics and it just never really happened, his one real shot being in 2004 with decidedly mixed results, blown saves and a general consensus that closing was not for him. Now Dotel is 36 and will get the chance once more.
The question is whether he will succeed.
A prime quality for a closer is his ability to strike people out. A strikeout generally means an inherited runner doesn't score - at least on that play. Dotel does this in spades with a career strikeout rate of nearly 11. But it's about the only thing on his resume that resembles closer material. He's an extreme flyball pitcher so that even though his HR/FB isn't out of the ordinary most seasons, he has so many more flyballs that the number of home runs he allows is simply unacceptable. For reference Mariano Rivera's career HR rate is .5 per nine IP, Joe Nathan .83 - Dotel puts out a neat little 1.16. This on top of his 5.20 BB per nine and you have a formula for disaster.
You can't assume that a closer for a bad team will not get saves, Chad Cordero's good year for the Nationals and Joakim Soria's 2008 season for the hapless Royals jump to mind, but it certainly does not help the odds. 6-20-3.50-1.40-75. 60IP
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| Recommended Draft Position: 179 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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15 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 75 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
If Capps is reasonably healthy and effective it's almost certain they will give Storen plenty of time before putting him in the feature role. Capps was effective as a closer with almost no support in 2007 and 2008. 4-25-3.05-1.05-65. 75IP |
Negatives/Downside:
There's a reason why major league clubs generally favour better strikeout pitcher than Capps in their closer role. It's good that Capps has excellent control (1.3 walks per nine in the minors, 1.7 in the Bigs), but there's nothing quite like a K to stop a base-runner situation. Combined with his injury history and the questionable Washington context (see: Storen, Drew), he makes a risky play. 4-15-4.50-1.25-50. 65IP |
Analysis:
In 2007 Capps was sent to the end of the bullpen to cover 9th inning duties and did well, positing a 2.28 ERA and blowing only 3 saves of 21 opportunities. He followed that up in 2008 by pitching well again, but again getting injured. He IS a closer so someone will take him, but Nats closer + continuing elbow problems = something to steer clear of.
If it were just a matter of health one could take a shot, but Capps has never been big strikeout type closer even when pitching well and has been prone to the flyball. In the best of circumstance that makes him a bit more flammable than one can recommend.
Looming over all of this is that he may just be a placeholder for the talented Drew Storen, whose arrival may be any time. Storen, the #10 overall pick in 2009 dominated three levels including nine saves in 11 appearances for double-A Harrisburg without allowing an earned run.
I suspect the real Capps is the 2007 version or the 2008 versions when he was more or less healthy. But it is merely a suspicion. 4-18-4.00-1.20-60. 75IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 201 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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14 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 85 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Wood only gave up three home runs as the Cubs closer in 2008, so the seven homes runs looks like an outlier.Wood is an extremely efficient strikeout guy and doesn't have terrible control. Because of his contract he's likely to be stuck in his role for better or worse unless he is pitching so well another team will take his contract in which case he'll be valuable to you in other ways. 5-35-3.50-1.20-80. 70IP |
Negatives/Downside:
He repeats last season. Or the Tribe finds a Silva or Bradley matching contract and Wood goes off to some unpleasant role in another town. 2-15-4.50-1.40-65. 50IP |
Analysis:
During the winter meetings the Cleveland Indians management admitted that perhaps 10.5 million dollars was more than a non-contending club ought to be paying for a closer. That's true even if Kerry Wood hadn't blown 23% of his save chances (six of 26). As the Tribe found out at the meetings, it's not just a non-optimal use of team capital, but it's 10.5 million reasons why Wood has security as the tribe close and perhaps 11 million more if the vesting option for 2011 is reached.
None of which to say that Kerry Wood isn't qualified to close or won't succeed in the role. 2009 was not a career highlight, seven homes runs over 55+ innings is one to bump up your blown saves total. Totaling only 55 innings instead of a more normal 70 or 80 for a typical closer turned out to be something of a blessing because his 4.25/1.38 numbers were hardly positive. But Wood is better than this and we should expect him to be moderately effective. At the price you will be paying (as opposed to the price the Indians are paying) you aren't expecting Rivera or Broxton numbers anyway.
If Kerry had a different contract we'd all be suggesting that Chris Perez would become the closer sooner rather than later with Wood moving on, but that's unlikely to happen unless Wood is pitching well enough for someone to pay (Cleveland is not thought to have the funds to assume part of their obligations to send him away). 5-25-4.00-1.30-75. 65IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 202 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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14 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 95 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
His biggest positive will be the fact that he gets save opportunities. Other than that he's a very pedestrian pitcher. He has a middle of the road ERA and WHIP and a lower strikeout rate than most closers. |
Negatives/Downside:
There's a chance that the knee surgery didn't quite take and his partially problematic ratios will be a full on concern. |
Analysis:
Coming off knee surgery, Chad Qualls looks to return to the closer role in the desert. Qualls was having a very nice 2009 (24 saves, 3.63 ERA) before an untimely dislocated kneecap ended his season. The Diamondbacks should be better this season, which should lead to more save opportunities. He'll make a nice end of the draft closer if you've missed out on the more elite talent. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 177 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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13 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 90 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Nunez successfully made the jump from set-up man to closer last season, logging 26 saves in 33 opportunities. He enters Spring Training as the Marlins' closer, with no clear No. 2 man in camp. Nunez makes for a great source of cheap saves late in your draft. 4-32-3.25-1.15-65 in 75 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
The reason Nunez is so cheap is his inflated 4.06 ERA -- including an abysmal 6.10 during September (AKA Fantasy playoff time). He seemed to grow less comfortable as the season went along, and a bumpy start could result in a quick hook from the closer's job. 2-18-4.30-1.30-55 in 70 IP |
Analysis:
Nunez should be one of the last closers off the board, and for good reason. His job is not terribly secure, and his effectiveness diminished as the hitters caught up to him last season. He'll save some games, but it would surprising to see him hold the job all season long. 3-22-3.75-1.28-60 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 248 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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9 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 67 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Potential. If he can crack the rotation, Feliz will instantly become an elite source of strikeouts, while giving you good ratios along the way. |
Negatives/Downside:
Youth. We may be expecting too much too quick for the 21-year old. |
Analysis:
We may have only gotten a small sample size of his talents last season, but he made quite an impact. In 31 innings, he posted a 1.74 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and an astonishing 39 strikeouts. It’s hard to determine how this will play out over an entire season, but it’s a risk you should take. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 240 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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9 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 83 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Chamberlain has a world of talent, and is entering his third season as a starter in the majors, a time when many young pitchers bust out. Last year was a step back, but many young starters hit bumps in the road to stardom. The run support the Yankees are a lack to provide will often allow him to pitch with a lead and win a lot of games. The Yankees are living by their statement that Joba will remain a memeber of the rotation. |
Negatives/Downside:
The step backwards he took in 2009 is pretty concerning. He gave up way too many hits and walks. He seems better suited to come out of the pen than to be a starter, and it is likely only a matter of time until the Yanks come to the same conclusion. With Phil Hughes waiting to pounce on Joba's spot in the rotation, and his struggles last season, Chamberlain is simply not someone worth taking a chance on in 2010. |
Analysis:
Joba is definitely talented, but I tend to believe that he is better suited to pitch out of the pen. The Yankees and their fans may be the least patient team in baseball, and if Chamberlain struggles early, expect Hughes to take over his spot in the rotation. While Joba is likely to pitch well should he be relegated to the pen, his value as a set up man would be extremely limited. Joba is someone I will avoid in 2010. 8-0-130-3.60-1.35 in 150 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 259 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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8 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 71 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
If Gregg can win the closer job he'll get somewhere in the line of 30-40 save opportunities, if he can keep the job all year. He'll help out in strikeouts (9.31 K/9 in 2009). |
Negatives/Downside:
There's always the option that Gregg loses the closer competition in spring training, rendering him pretty useless. If he does get the job, you'll have to contend with sub-par ratios all year long. |
Analysis:
Gregg will compete with Jason Frasor and Scott Downs for the closer's role in Toronto to start the year. Gregg has experience closing, but doesn't have the stats to make him a quality fantasy option in 2010. Even if he wins the jobs, it's unlikely that he'll hold it all season long. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 269 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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8 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 72 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
WHIP and strikeouts. Despite his frequent DL trips, Francisco has a career K/9 of over 9.5, which should help boost your overall strikeout numbers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Injuries. Every time he gets on a roll, he gets hurt. |
Analysis:
Frank Francisco is a wonderful source of saves, but you’ll have to handcuff him with CJ Wilson because he always seems to hurt. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 193 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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7 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 79 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
There's a lot to like with Gonzalez heading into 2010. He'll have the job security in Baltimore that he could never find in Atlanta and should get 35-45 save chances for the improved Orioles team. He'll go for a good value and can really help with your ratios and strikeouts (10.9 K/9 in 2009). |
Negatives/Downside:
Moving tot he AL East is never a good thing for any pitcher. Having to play in baseball's best division could crumble all the good will he built up in 2009. |
Analysis:
Mike Gonzalez has been brought in from Atlanta to serve as the closer. Gonzalez was highly effective out of the Braves' bullpen last year, splitting time between the closer and set-up role. He collected 10 SV, while posting a 2.42 ERA in 74.1 IP. He is a huge upgrade for this unit but may experience a tough time transferring from the NL East to the AL East. Expect his ratios to inflate, but he could be a cheap source saves on an improved Orioles team. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 192 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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6 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 87 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Strikeouts. When Morrow is on, he is lights out. |
Negatives/Downside:
Consistency and injuries. A strained right forearm has limited Morrow over the past few season and he'll need to shake that problem if he's going to take a step forward in 2010. |
Analysis:
Despite some reports, Morrow will start the year in the rotation, which is great news for fantasy owners looking for a cheap source of pitching talent. Morrow has the talent which has been evident for years, but he can just never seem to keep himself out of the doctor's office -- possibly due to deficient apple intake. He's no sure thing, but I've always had a soft spot for any pitcher that just piles up strikeouts, and Morrow is definitely that guy (career 9.30 k/9). If he can get the rest of his game out of the gutter, he'll be a steal for both the Jays and shrewd fantasy owners. |
| Recommended Draft Position: |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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6 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 78 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Wagner returned from Tommy John surgery to give the Mets and Red Sox some quality relief innings last season, and he should continue his good work as the Braves closer in 2010. The Braves generated 59 save opportunities in 2009, and Wagner should receive the bulk of those chances in 2010. 5-35-3.00-1.15-70 in 65 IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Call us paranoid, but 38-year-old relievers coming off major surgery are not exactly the most reliable fantasy options. Wags can still bring it when he's out there, but it's staying out there that has us worried. 2-20-3.35-1.25-45 in 35 IP |
Analysis:
Wagner's health is a concern, but he looked fine in his brief stint in the majors last season. He'll be the Braves closer on Opening Day barring injury, and that makes him worth a mid-to-late round pick after the first few tiers of closers are off the board. 4-30-3.10-1.20-65 in 55 IP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 300 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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5 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 89 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Lindstrom racked up 15 saves in 17 chances for the Marlins last season, despite struggling with elbow and shoulder problems. He'll vie for the closer's job with Brandon Lyon, and could be a sneaky source of saves if he wins the gig. 4-25-3.20-1.30-55 in 65 IP. |
Negatives/Downside:
Lindstrom doesn't have the kind of K-rate one typically sees in closers, and the fact that he surrendered a 5.89 ERA and 1.65 WHIP last season does not bode well for his ninth-inning potential. He may be more suited to a set-up role. 3-6-3.65-1.40-40 in 55 IP. |
Analysis:
Lindstrom (and for that matter Lyon) are closers of last resort in most fantasy drafts. Draft whichever of them wins the job, but be prepared to cut bait when they invariably struggle in the role. 4-15-3.25-1.35-50 in 60 IP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 300 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 89 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Lyon pitched very well in a set-up role for Detroit last season, and saved 26 games for Arizona back in 2008. The 'Stros threw big bucks Lyon's way this winter, and the assumption is that he'll take over as the team's closer in 2010. As such, he could pile up plenty of saves (Houston created 65 save opportunities last season) at a bargain price. 7-30-3.25-1.30-55 in 70 IP. |
Negatives/Downside:
The reason Lyon was setting up in Detroit was that he absolutely bombed in the closer's role. He's not a high-strikeout pitcher by any means, and if his location and command aren't impeccable, things could get ugly. Matt Lindstrom is also a member of the Houston bullpen, and could grab some saves of his own if Lyon struggles. Lyon was still recovering from offseason surgery to remove a cyst from his shoulder at the time of this review. 3-15-4.40-1.45-40 in 60 IP. |
Analysis:
Lyon is a late-round fall-back option if you find yourself in need of a closer, but his lack of dominant stuff and checkered ninth-inning history should tell you that those saves will come with a hefty price tag. Don't worry about his shoulder issue unless it threatens to cost him time in the regular season. 5-25-3.65-1.35-50 in 70 IP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 300 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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5 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 75 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Howell will put up some nice strikeout numbers along with ERA and WHIP. Unfortunately he won't have the innings to make a real impact. |
Negatives/Downside:
Now without save, Howell loses most of his value. |
Analysis:
Now that the Rays have brought in Soriano to close out games, Howell moves back tot he set up role and loses most of his value. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 369 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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4 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 67 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
As a set-up man, Madson has been one of the most consistent reliever going for several years now. The only exceptions have been when he was hurt in 2007 and when they tried him as a starter the year before that. Many of the projections catch that stretch as a starter and project his ERA well above what he has done as a reliever over the past few years (Bill James projects a 3.87 ERA, Madson has only been worse than that one season as a closer and that five seasons ago. 5-10-3.05-1.20-85. 85IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Madson has blown 19 of his 34 career save opportunities. Little wonder the organization likes him as a set-up guy, but is reluctant to use him as a closer even when Lidge is hardly effective. 5-2-3.87-1.30-60. 75IP |
Analysis:
Ryan Madson got a couple of chances at the brass ring for Phils during a difficult season for the bullpen in general and for Brad Lidge in particular. Madson didn't exactly grab it and run with it. .500 is not the number you shoot for as a closer and Madson blew three of his six June chances. The end of the season was an ugly matter two, with Madson giving up runs in four straight games at the end of August and then on back-to-back nights in September at home against the hated Mets, Madson nearly coughed up the win one night and then outright blew the save the following night.
It looks like the Phillies will open the season more or less the same way as last season, with Lidge the closer designate and Madson nominally the next in line. Danys Baez was brought in and of this writing was pitching well in spring training.
Madson is bets viewed as a handcuff to Lidge or a speculative closer. It's doubtful the organization would want to run with Madson very long as their closer. He's an excellent option in holds leagues. 4-8-3.20-1.25-75. 80IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 368 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 74 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Hnarahan is a hard thrower who is always mentioned for ninth inning duties. Octavio Dotel, the current presumptive closer has given away several closer chances and in any case is not a great candidate to succeed in the role. So an opportunity is like to arise. 5-5-4.00-1.35-65. 55IP |
Negatives/Downside:
No job, Career 1.60 WHIP, Elbow injury. The best use for him is to get your league mates to pick him up. |
Analysis:
Hanrahan avoided the knife, but will miss the beginning of the season with, again, elbow problems. Since the signing of Octavio Dotel, Hanrahan had only a modest chance of contributing anyway. His peripheral numbers are so bad that he wouldn't be usable as a set-up man even with his excellent strikeout rates.
He was a terrible closer for the Nats (14 saves, 9 blown saves), so this most recent prospective trip to the DL is just an extra added incentive for you to avoid him. Hard thrower and if he found control he might have a useful year or two, but there's no evidence that this will happen. 1-1-4.75-1.50-35. 30IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 404 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 58 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He should be second in line for saves out of the Angels' bullpen. Other than that potential value, he'll be a steady source of strikeouts. |
Negatives/Downside:
He's basically worthless without the saves. |
Analysis:
The newly signed Francisco Rodney is a likely usurper should Fuentes start to falter. He's no better than a handcuff coming into the season. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 401 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 79 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Motte is next in line for saves in St. Louis, and while Ryan Franklin was outstanding last season, he could easily hand the job to Motte should he struggle. |
Negatives/Downside:
He could easily spend the year as nothing more than a set-up man. Franklin was excellent last season, and there is no reason to think he can't be effective in 2010. |
Analysis:
Motte is as good a candidate as any to take over a closer's job in 2010. At worse, you'll get a solid set-up man who should collect plenty of strikeouts. He's a nice late pick-up. 3-8-70-3.50-1.25 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 402 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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3 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 71 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Gutierrez has a great K/9 and should pile up holds and will have an opportunity for save chances if something is to happen to Qualls. |
Negatives/Downside:
He's not a closer and his ratios leave something to be desired. |
Analysis:
Gutierrez will be second in line behind Chad Qualls and could make a nice handcuff in NL only leagues. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 405 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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3 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 82 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Hellacious strikeout pitcher when he is on. Equally good really against lefties and righties, he's obvious closer material. 4-15-3.00-1.20-80. 65IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Hellacious walk rates even when he is on. Wood probably would not get 55 Games finished even if he stays in the closer role, they might not want to risk putting him in the rotation (despite a clear need) as injury would destroy any trade value. 4-0-4.00-1.40-70. 65IP |
Analysis:
Perez was thought to be the closer of the future for the Cardinals but battled injuries during spring training of 2009 to allow Jason Motte to unseat him in the competition against Ryan Franklin. When Mark DeRosa became available, Perez was sent to The Tribe where ankle problems ended his season.
With the Indians unlikely to compete and Kerry Wood with an $11 million option that vests if he finishes 55 games, speculation has been rife that Perez will become the close sooner rather than later.
Whether Perez will succeed or not if given the chance is another question. There's no question he has the stuff, but as long as he is walking 4.47 per nine (in the majors, it was six (!) in the minors). And he has shown a tendency to give up the long ball. Still, in most formats a potential closer with an obvious possibility for a vacancy is sorely tempting. 3-10-3.50-1.35-75. 60IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 445 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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2 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 87 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Thornton has now produced two straight stellar seasons as Bobby Jenks' setup man. He offers strong strikeout totals - last year he came in at a career best 10.8 SO/9 - and he is stingy with allowing baserunners. Should Bobby Jenks, who is coming off a down year, falter or go down with injury, Thornton figures to be next in line for save opportunities. |
Negatives/Downside:
The biggest negative for Thornton is simply that he lacks a clear path to the saves that would give him indisputable fantasy value. Even if Jenks does go down, there are other options like Scott Linebrink and J.J. Putz on hand who could get save chances if Ozzie Guillen decides he'd rather have Thornton available in the middle innings. |
Analysis:
If your roster affords the ability to carry a non-closer reliever, Thornton could be a nice source of extra strikeouts, even if he doesn't get a chance for saves. In terms of potential save opportunities, there are perhaps stronger options, but few can match Thornton's production in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. 4-2-2.70-1.10-75 in 70 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 449 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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2 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 75 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Low end start K totals from a middle reliever plus some bonus saves and vulture wins. 7-5-2.63-1.00-105. 85IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Wuertz' best WHIP season prior to last season 0.95 was 1.25. Regressions should be expected. 3-2-3.66-1.25-80. 65IP |
Analysis:
Wuertz got four saves last season but there's very little talk that he is in line to close except as an emergency ninth inning guy. It's not that the 31-year old guy couldn't do it, we bet he'd be good. But the A's organization has had opportunities to do this in the past and hasn't done it. Ergo, more of the same. Which isn't bad. Wuertz will only win a couple fewer games than one of the low-K starters like Zach Duke or even Jon Garland and if he strikes out 102 again, he may surpass their K totals. Fine pitcher and great in a set-up role. 6-5-2.75-1.25-90. 75IP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 448 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 76 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
In the last two months of the season, Cahill only gave up six home runs, and four of those were in the first two starts in August. During that period he lifted his strikeout rate a full K higher than before. You would not project for, or pay for the 10K's of his brief minor league career. But this will be his second time through the level and he is only 22. Six strikeouts per nine seems reachable and even a modest decline in his home run rates pulls his ERA down to 4. 12-0-3.75-1.25-140. 200IP |
Negatives/Downside:
Cahill's poor strikeout rates may continue. If so, it may be an indication that he is just over-matched at this age by major league hitting in which case you wouldn't have so much hope about the HR rates either. He's a great prospect, but with only two usable pitches he might be a year or a half year away. 7-0-4.70-1.45-100. 180IP |
Analysis:
If you listened to me last season, you took Brett Anderson instead of Trevor Cahill. I surmised that Anderson's superior control would translate more easily to the major leagues straight from double-A ball than Cahill's supposedly superior stuff. That proved out and Cahill had a workman like, but disappointing year of serving up the long ball and not striking people out.
The usual thing to say about Cahill here is that despite his worse than average performance, he was "lucky" because of his in-play results (a .276 BABIP). And most fielding independent rates show him with an ERA of a half run worse than his 4.76. I sound like a broken record on this, but Cahill's in-play hits were 7.96/9IP. That's a terrible number, In 2007 when he was in A-ball, he gave up 7.00/9IP. Yet his BABIP in 2009 was a "great" .276 and his BABIP in 2007 was a "terrible ".313. Again, as in so many cases, BABIP is an artifact of K-rate (too much math to go into here).
I love Cahill, because despite jumping all the way to the bigs from double-A at the age of 21, he had given up 8 home runs in 238+ innings in the minors and gave up 27 in 178+ major league innings with a 13.4% HR/FB. Cahill struck out a reasonable number of folks in August and September (until his collapse at the end of the month which is typical for a young pitcher).
It's not clear he'll even win a job with the signing of Jason Jennings and Brett Tomko. But there's nothing wrong with his game that would make a marked improvement unlikely. 12-0-4.05-1.35-135.200IP
|
| Recommended Draft Position: 426 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 59 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Though he enters 2010 as Billy Wagner's setup man, Saito stands a good chance of collecting at least some saves this season. The Braves will likely handle Wagner carefully, easing him into being a full-time closer once again, meaning save opportunities for Saito. Pitching in the toughest division in baseball last season, Saito was up to the challenge, striking out nearly a batter per inning and posting a strong ERA. If and when opportunities arise, Saito is positioned to take advantage of them. |
Negatives/Downside:
Saito is no spring chicken, having turned 40 in February, increasing reason to worry past injury issues could crop again or he could lose effectiveness. Last season's underlying numbers are worrisome - he became more hittable, more homer-happy, more prone to walks, and less effective at striking out hitters. It's a safe bet his production will continue trending in these directions. |
Analysis:
Even at 40, Saito should still be good for an effective season. For fantasy purposes, he will be useful in leagues that value holds, and he's a nice speculative pick given he's next in line behind an aging closer with recent injury problems. 3-10-3.20-1.18-50 in 60 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 447 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 67 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Pretty good source of strikeouts and his ratios won't kill you. |
Negatives/Downside:
He doesn't excel at any one thing. |
Analysis:
Hammel folded down the stretch last season, but was having a very nice season until around mid August. He's not full of potential but could be a nice source of wins in an NL only league. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 428 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 61 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Bard should pick up his share of vultures wins as a set-up man for a good team. He has great strikeout potential and could pay off big time if he finds his way into the rotation. |
Negatives/Downside:
The only thing he really has working against him is opportunity. A lot would have to happen before he ended up in the Sox rotation. |
Analysis:
Bard is a great one dollar investment in AL only leagues. He has tremendous upside, and is a great option in keeper leagues. Bard is a nice way to finish off your roster. 5-2-80-3.00-1.20 in 75 IP |
| Recommended Draft Position: 450 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 104 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
|
Negatives/Downside:
Injured |
Analysis:
Nathan is one of the game's top closers but will be watching from the sidelines in 2010 with an elbow injury |
| Recommended Draft Position: 400 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
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Positives/Upside:
Even if he doesn't get the closer's job, Downs will be an excellent source of WHIP, ERA and strikeouts coming out of the bullpen. If your league counts hold, he'll be a top tier option. |
Negatives/Downside:
Injuries seem to follow Downs around, and hit just when he's starting to catch fire. |
Analysis:
While he'll be in the mix for Jays' closer, he'll more than likely end up as the 8th inning lefty specialist. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 290 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
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Positives/Upside:
Wilson will provide an excellent source of strikeouts out of the bullpen and will be in line to take over closing duties if something were to happen to incumbent Frank Francisco. If your league counts holds, consider Wilson among the game's elite. |
Negatives/Downside:
The downside is obvious, he won't get any save without some help from the injury bug. |
Analysis:
Wilson is a necessary handcuff to Frank Francisco and could have tremendous value should/when Francisco hits the disabled list. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 358 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
Hits: 52 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
If Farsor can claim the closer role he'll be a nice source of ratio help out of the bullpen, along with his saves. |
Negatives/Downside:
If he ends up as a set-up man, Frasor will have relatively low value for 2010. |
Analysis:
Don't concern yourself too much with incumbent closer Jason Frasor come draft time. Despite being an effective reliever over his six seasons in Toronto, he always seems to falter when he must wear the "closer" name tag. The Jays will have a closer by carousel system in place -- which, for the record, is less capable than a closer by committee. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 301 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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Fantasy Baseball » Pitchers
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Positives/Upside:
O' Day is an excellent source of ratio hep from the middle reliever position. If your league counts holds, O' Day will be a nice addition. |
Negatives/Downside:
O' Day looks to be third in line for save in Texas, which will render him useless in all but the deepest of leagues. |
Analysis:
If you’re scouring for holds, look no further than Darren O’Day. On top of the holds, O’ Day will help out your ratios while adding a good chunk of strikeouts along the way. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 567 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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