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The Closer Watch (2008 Sample)
Posted: 3/27/08
By Arnold "Zap" Zapposodi
Staff Writer, FantasyGuru.com
American League
Baltimore Orioles – George Sherrill has had a phenomenal spring and the momentum he has built up should carry into the regular season. In 9 innings of work, Sherrill has allowed just 6 hits, 2 runs, and no BBs. He has recorded 9 Ks and his ERA is a beautiful 2.00. He has job security and dynamic stuff working in his favor. Plus, his command has been flawless thus far. The downside is the Orioles probably won’t give him massive save chances in 2008.
Boston Red Sox – Jonathan Papelbon got the save in his first regular season appearance against the A’s on Tuesday, but it wasn’t pretty and it definitely wasn’t effortless for Paps. He permitted 3 hits, 1 run, and 1 BB in 1 inning of work and he nearly blew it. Fortunately he notched 1 K, yet his ERA is already a bloated 9.00. The most disturbing part of his debut (other than getting hit relatively hard) was the fact that he walked the leadoff hitter, which is a big no-no for stoppers. Still, he converted his save opportunity and he’s off and running toward a prosperous 2008 campaign, so there’s no reason to panic.
Chicago White Sox – Bobby Jenks battled through a rough start early this spring, but he has looked extremely healthy and effective lately. In 10 innings of exhibition action, Jenks has given up 9 hits, 2 runs, and 7 BBs. His ERA is currently a stellar 1.80, yet he has compiled only 2 Ks. You can’t be too thrilled with his K/BB ratio and the amount of hits he has allowed because they indicate that he’s having subtle command issues. However, Jenks is progressing nicely and seems poised for a fantasy-friendly 2008 season as the guy to slam the door for the Pale Hose.
Cleveland Indians – Joe Borowski had a strong outing earlier this week against the Yankees in which he wound up being the winning pitcher, but his spring has been mostly forgettable and predominantly shaky. Thus far in 7 innings of exhibition action, Jo-Bo has permitted 9 hits, 4 runs, and 2 BBs. His ERA is holding steady at 5.14 and he has collected 5 Ks, 1 win, and 1 loss. Borowski recently was quoted as saying that his strong mental focus and intestinal fortitude help him thrive in his role as the Tribe’s closer even though he lacks lights-out stuff. Taken at face value, his comment was basically an admission that he’s been off his game this spring, but it’s still his job to squander. Should his stuff continue to be so hittable when the regular season heats up, the team could give dominant set-up man Rafael Betancourt a look in ninth-inning situations down the road, as he’s been absolutely lethal in March.
Detroit Tigers – Todd Jones seems to have settled down a bit after his first few weeks of spring training were a complete and total nightmare. He was efficient and sharp in his last two outings, recovering nicely from getting pummeled in his previous appearances. All told, Jones has pitched 9.2 innings in exhibition games, allowing 17 hits, 13 runs, and 4 BBs. He has been credited with 1 loss, he has fanned 5 hitters, and his ERA is hovering at an ugly 10.24. There’s been no indication that his job is in jeopardy, so continue to treat Jones as a solid ninth-inning option because he can only get better after his ultra-rocky March. Still, you’ll want to monitor him closely in April since opposing hitters are having such an easy time putting the ball in play against him.
Kansas City Royals – Joakim Soria’s past week of spring training was pretty shaky, as he was touched up for a bushel of hits and a couple of runs. But he’s been showing the potential to strike out any hitter he faces, which is encouraging. In 11.1 innings of exhibition action, Soria has permitted 15 hits, 7 runs, and 2 BBs. He has been credited with 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 blown save and his ERA is stuck at a pedestrian 5.56. Yet, he has whiffed 11 hitters, proving that he has the stuff to get ahead of opponents and put them away. At this point, it looks like Soria could be a “Jekyll and Hyde” type of closer in 2008, either throwing with unstoppable gusto and converting the save effortlessly or getting hammered and blowing the win for his squad. That potential inconsistency makes him a bit risky with the regular season just days away.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Francisco Rodriguez has been pitching dominantly like it’s mid-season already, and there’s legitimate reason to suspect he could be in line for a monster year since he’ll be playing for a new contract in 2008. Thus far in 7 innings of exhibition work, K-Rod has permitted 5 hits, 1 run, and no BBs. His ERA is currently a sensational 1.29 and he has notched 5 Ks. His command has been great, his stuff has been electric, and the Angels have looked unbeatable this March. Need we say more?
Minnesota Twins
– Joe Nathan
inked a new
four-year million contract with the Twins, so he won’t be going
anywhere during the 2008 season. That’s fantastic news for his
fantasy value because owners don’t have to worry about him landing
with an inferior team in the middle of the season via trade. On the
flipside though, now that he’s been paid in a big way he might not
have the incentive to play lights-out in 2008. Said Nathan on his
decision to stay with
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera has looked like his usual, trusty self this spring and he has the stats to prove it. In 6 innings of work, he has permitted 4 hits, 1 run, and 1 BB. His ERA is a skimpy 1.50 and he has fanned 7 batters. He hasn’t allowed an extra base hit thus far in March and his nasty cutter has been extremely effective. Judging from his recent surgical precision, a huge bounce-back 2008 campaign seems inevitable from Rivera even though manager Joe Girardi has expressed his desire not to overwork him with frequent two-inning outings this season.
Seattle Mariners – J.J. Putz had a productive, efficient week of spring training and he seems to have ironed out the kinks in his delivery and location that made him a tad shaky and quite hittable earlier in March. All told, Putz has thrown 7 innings in exhibition games, giving up 7 hits, 5 runs, and 1 BB. He has been credited with 1 win, 1 save, and 1 blown save. His ERA is a so-so 5.14, yet you’ve got to be thrilled with the fact that he has whiffed a whopping 11 batters. He’s poised and ready for opening day and a fruitful year. Just bear in mind that the Mariner offense has looked rather lame this spring, as their continuing struggles could cost Putz save chances in 2008.
Tampa Bay Rays –
Troy Percival
had an
up-and-down week of spring training. He pitched a scoreless inning
on Tuesday with 2 Ks, but on Sunday he was touched up for 7 runs and
2 homers in 1 inning. Altogether, he’s having a very strong and
impressive March, as he has held teams to no runs in five of his
seven appearances. In 7 innings, Percival has allowed 10 hits, 8
runs, and 1 BB. He has fanned 8 hitters, has blown 1 save, and has
compiled a 10.29 ERA. His K/BB ratio is reason for optimism and it’s
nice to see Percival throwing with fine command. On a side note,
Texas Rangers –
C.J. Wilson,
who dealt with a nagging case of biceps tendonitis earlier this
spring, has officially been named the closer for
Toronto Blue
Jays – B.J. Ryan,
valiantly coming off Tommy John surgery ahead of schedule, just
isn’t ready to go full-tilt, so he will begin the regular season on
the DL. He made two appearances in exhibition games, but was shut
down when he reported discomfort in his arm last week. The Blue
Jays’ GM said that we should expect Ryan back in mid-April, at the
very earliest. As a result, Jeremy Accardo
will open the 2008 season as the ninth-inning man for
National League
Arizona
Diamondbacks – Brandon Lyon,
who was named the D-Backs’ closer very early on in spring training,
has been a total mess in his exhibition work. He has permitted two
or more runs in over half of his appearances and he just doesn’t
look primed and ready for opening day. Said manager
Bob Melvin on
Atlanta Braves – Rafael Soriano appears to have gotten past the elbow discomfort that sidelined him earlier this spring, so plan on him being all-systems-go on opening day. In 5 innings of exhibition action, Soriano has given up 5 hits, 2 runs, and 2 BBs. He has recorded 7 Ks and has mustered a nice ERA of 3.60. His past week was a productive one and his solid performance suggests he could have some upside in 2008 if the Braves bounce back like everyone expects them to. Just keep Mike Gonzalez, who has experience closing and is progressing quickly from elbow surgery, on your radar because he could be back in the mix in May and vulture a save here and there. But don’t worry too much about Gonzo since Soriano has manager Bobby Cox’s full confidence.
Cincinnati Reds – Francisco Cordero had a rocky outing on Tuesday, giving up 3 hits and 2 runs in 1 inning. But don’t worry because he had been pretty dominant all spring before that. All told, Cordero has hurled 8 innings, allowing 10 hits, 4 runs, and 1 BB. He has earned 1 win, has recorded 7 Ks, and has compiled a 4.50 ERA. The shift to a hitter-friendly ballpark in 2008 is something to watch with Cordero. However, since he’s got job security and dynamic stuff, you should be able to plug-and-play Cordero all season long. After all, his productive spring has certainly boosted his confidence.
Colorado Rockies – Manny Corpas has been having a quiet yet productive spring. In 7 innings of exhibition work, Corpas has given up 9 hits, 3 runs, and 3 BBs. He has been credited with 1 loss, yet his ERA is a solid 3.86 and he has fanned 7 hitters with ease. Manager Clint Hurdle wants Corpas to “dial up the velocity” in this final week of spring training, but he’s convinced that he can rely on Corpas for the long haul in 2008. As a result, Corpas could be a steal as a #2 stopper.
Florida Marlins – Kevin Gregg hasn’t been very dominant or consistent this spring, yet he’s been just effective enough to instill confidence. In 9 innings of exhibition work, Gregg has allowed 8 hits, 4 runs, and 4 BBs. Despite being credited with 1 loss, he has notched 8 Ks and a respectable 4.00 ERA. With Florida’s bullpen shaping up to be one of the finest aspects of their team, Gregg should have a successful season slamming the door if he can avoid giving free passes and serving up home run balls. The weak Marlin offense is a different story however, so don’t expect Gregg to go wild or anything in 2008.
Houston Astros – Jose Valverde has put his minor back issues behind him and appears poised for opening day. However, his stuff has been very hittable and his pitch placement has been far from precise this spring, so he could get off to a slow start in 2008. In 11 innings of exhibition work, Valverde has permitted 12 hits, 6 runs, and 7 BBs. Fortunately, he has tallied 2 wins and 12 Ks and his ERA is an OK 4.91. You’ll want to monitor him closely in April to see if his control issues linger, but he’s not facing any competition and should be more than fine once he finds his groove.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Takashi Saito just can’t seem to stay healthy and his poor conditioning is definitely reason for concern with the dynamic Jonathan Broxton around. First it was a calf issue with Saito. Now he’s dealing with tightness in his buttocks (insert joke here), which caused him to miss a scheduled appearance on Monday. He threw a simulated game earlier this week with some discomfort, but the Dodgers ultimately expect him to be ready for opening day. In his 4 innings of action this spring, Saito has given up 6 hits, 4 runs, and no BBs. He has recorded 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 K and his ERA is a lousy 9.00. Considering Saito hasn’t been lights-out or very durable this March, you’ll want to play it safe and pair him with Broxton if possible. After all, Saito is way behind schedule and he has yet to make back-to-back appearances.
Milwaukee Brewers – Eric Gagne has had one big rollercoaster ride this spring. He started off very shaky and hittable with major control issues, but he has turned it on in the past week, showing glimpses of good velocity and solid command. All told, Gagne has thrown 7 innings in exhibition games, allowing 12 hits, 5 runs, and 1 BB. His ERA is currently 6.43 and he has notched 4 Ks. The closer job is all Gagne’s to squander, but if he comes out of the gates cold and ineffective, Derrick Turnbow and Salomon Torres could get a long, hard look. The best news concerning Gagne right now is that the Brewers seem poised for a winning season, which should help accumulate ample saves in 2008 if he avoids an early-season implosion or injury.
New York Mets – Billy Wagner is on fire this spring and a gaudy 2008 season could easily be in the cards if he keeps it up, particularly with the Mets poised to win a lot of games this season. In 7 innings of exhibition work, Wags has given up just 4 hits, 1 run, and 1 BB. He has collected a whopping 10 Ks, has converted his only save chance, and has mustered a miniscule ERA of 1.29. The sky appears to be the limit for Wagner at this point, so grab him if you can.
Philadelphia Phillies – Brad Lidge will begin the 2008 season on the DL, but he could be back in time for Philly’s fifth game on April 5. He hasn’t had any problems or setbacks with his scoped knee. It’s just that the coaching staff wants him to build up his velocity and get back in rhythm before using him in meaningful games. Lidge admitted, “I just need to start getting some arm strength and get sharper.” He will have a few more outings this spring in the minors and Tom Gordon will fill in as the closer for at least the first week of the season. Gordon has thrown 7.2 innings this spring, giving up 10 hits, 7 runs, and 2 BBs while whiffing 10 batters and converting both of his save chances. His experience will help the Phils hold down the fort until Lidge returns, which should be in the second week of April in a best-case scenario.
Pittsburgh
Pirates – Matt Capps
has picked up momentum with every passing appearance this spring, so
he should definitely be on your radar in 2008 even though
San Diego Padres – Trevor Hoffman definitely hasn’t had the most encouraging spring, but he’s shown flashes of dominance and pretty good control, which is reason for optimism in 2008. In 6.2 innings, Hoffman has allowed 9 hits, 4 runs, and 2 BBs. He has tallied 5 Ks and an ERA of 5.40. The coaching staff hasn’t subjected him to a ton of exhibition work as a precaution to keep the aging vet fresh, so plan on Hoffman starting strong and firing the pill with solid velocity in April. How he fares after that remains to be seen.
San Francisco
Giants –
After breezing
through the bulk of spring training with effective, nearly
untouchable stuff, Brian Wilson finally
showed a chink in his armor when he blew a save chance last Friday,
allowing 3 runs on 3 hits. He also had a pretty uninspiring outing
after that in which he was banged around quite a bit. In his 9.2
innings of exhibition action,
St. Louis Cardinals – Jason Isringhausen wound up missing almost an entire week of spring action with his back strain. But he’s reportedly back to full strength and his latest outings were extremely encouraging, as he hasn’t given up a hit or a run in his last 3 innings on the bump. Plus, he managed to pitch in back-to-back games this past week with no problems, which is a great sign. Altogether, Izzy has fired 8.1 innings in exhibition games, giving up 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 BBs. He has earned 1 win, has converted his only save chance, has whiffed 8 hitters, and has mustered a nice 3.24 ERA. The Card offense has been somewhat potent too, so all signs point to good digits from Izzy in 2008 provided he avoids the dreaded injury bug.
Washington
Nationals – Chad Cordero
was having a super-stellar, near-flawless spring until this past
week. He blew a save and took the loss last Thursday when he gave up
a ninth-inning dinger. Then he got banged around a bit earlier this
week. There’s no reason to panic though because nobody’s perfect and
it was only a matter of time before Cordero hit some bumps in the
road. In his 9 innings of exhibition work, Cordero has permitted
just 5 hits, 3 runs, and 1 BB. He has notched 7 Ks and a 3.00 ERA to
go along with 1 blown save and 1 loss. Despite his recent struggles,
Cordero’s looked incredibly impressive on the whole. It’s just a
shame the Nats don’t appear to have that winning swagger because
Cordero’s dynamic stuff could lead to sick numbers if he were simply
on a superior team in 2008.
Arnold
Zappasodi has been competing in fantasy baseball for just two years,
but he knows the game inside and out from his playing days. He had a
long and storied playing career as a pitcher, catcher,
third-baseman, and most importantly as a slugger. In his Little
League days, Zap hit 37 homers from age 9-12. He was the first
9-year-old in Cherry Hill, New Jersey ever to hit a home run (3
actually) in the "majors" competing against kids three years older
than him. In high school, Zap was a varsity starter for two years at
Cherry Hill East, Orel Hershiser's alma mater. His defining moment
as a player came when he hit a clutch, seventh-inning grand-slam as
a junior to secure the South Jersey Group 4 Championship in 1998. As
a senior in 1999, he slammed 8 home runs and batted well over .500
en route to first-team All South Jersey honors as a designated
hitter. Because of his powerful bat, he was also elected to play in
the Carpenter Cup at Wilmington Blue Rock stadium and the
North-South classic at
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