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2008 Sample article. Check out our Baseball Homepage here. Check out our Football Homepage here. Subscribe today here!
 
The Closer Watch
Published: 6/19/08
By Arnold Zappasodi
Staff Writer, FantasyGuru.com

Baltimore Orioles – George Sherrill, who’s been dealing with a tired arm due to being somewhat overworked (32 innings) this season, had a down week. Sure, he picked up a pair of saves in two flawless appearances. But he also recorded a loss and a blown save, allowing a total of 4 hits, 3 runs, and 1 BB in those two shaky outings. Since he’s got 23 saves under his belt and a serviceable 3.37 ERA and since the O’s frequently win by very small margins, Sherrill remains an above-average stopper. Just keep Chad Bradford on your radar in case Sherrill’s arm fatigue worsens or he has a few more bad showings.

Cleveland Indians – Joe Borowski didn’t pick up a single save this week, hurting his fantasy owners greatly. His only appearance of the past week came in a non-save situation and he’s notched just 1 measly save in the month of June, so he’s not carrying much value at all at this point. It’s also worth noting that Masa Kobayashi picked up a save this week, further hurting Borowski’s stock. Ultimately, Jo-Bo doesn’t look like he’s in jeopardy of losing his job despite his bloated 8.18 ERA and his pathetic 5 total saves in 2008, but he shouldn’t be in your lineup. Not even if you’re really desperate.

Oakland Athletics – Although he pitched well this past week in his three appearances and collected 1 save, Huston Street has been dealing with a groin injury lately, which in turn has affected his velocity. Throw in the fact that he’s earned just a single save in June and you can understand why he’s a weak option currently. At least his 3.16 ERA and 35-to-8 K-to-BB ratio are keeping him relevant. Still, don’t expect the world from Street in the coming weeks and be prepared for a setback with his sore groin, which unfortunately happens to be in his push-off leg. Keith Foulke likely would get the ninth-inning nod if Street makes a trip to the DL.

Seattle Mariners – With the struggling and injury-riddled J.J. Putz landing on the DL this week due to a hyperextended pitching elbow, Brandon Morrow has been thrust into the closer role. Morrow presents some nice value if you can grab him off the waiver wire because he’s sporting a skimpy 0.90 ERA and he’s been recording Ks in bunches this month. He’s also collected a pair of saves in June, showing that he has the stuff to slam the door under pressure. Putz doesn’t have structural damage, but you have to like Morrow’s chances for long-term success because of his high-end fastball. Just don’t forget that Seattle’s a joke, which should limit his save chances.

Atlanta Braves – This situation remains a mess and a fantasy-killer. And we can’t guarantee it’ll get any better soon despite the return of Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano from elbow injuries. The smart money is on Gonzalez emerging, provided his rebuilt elbow holds up. He certainly looked good in his first game back Wednesday night, throwing a 94 mph fastball with his first pitch and picking up the clean save. Judging from manager Bobby Cox’ comments after the game (“We decided … if we’re leading, we’re going with Gonzo no matter what”), it’s safe to assume that Gonzalez is the guy to target for saves going forward, although Jeff Bennett could still throw his hat into the mix.
 

Colorado Rockies – Brian Fuentes pitched solidly and tallied 2 saves this week in as many appearances. But his name has been thrown around in trade rumors recently, which is why we felt he should be mentioned here. It’s been reported that the Mets are interested in Fuentes’ services, so you need to be prepared for Taylor Buchholz to possibly assume the job in Colorado in the near future. For the time being, treat Fuentes as the saves guy, but don’t be shocked if he’s dealt.

New York Mets – Yikes! Billy Wagner blew his third consecutive save opportunity this week when he permitted 2 hits, 2 runs, and 2 BBs in an inning of work. Still, he managed to bounce back nicely with 2 straight saves in his other appearances of the week. He’s now squandered 5 save chances on the season, so he’s shown signs of being seriously unreliable. However, since he’s got a useful 2.17 ERA and a phenomenal 34-to-7 K-to-BB ratio, Wagner’s still a great stopper option. And it’s not like he’s going to lose his job. He’s just hit a sizeable bump in the road. 

Pittsburgh Pirates – Matt Capps had a horrible past week with a pair of blown saves. In those outings, he gave up 4 hits, 4 runs, 2 homers, and 1 BB. Even worse, he’s blown 3 of his last 4 save chances and in those lame appearances he’s been touched up for a total of 6 runs and 3 long balls. Word is that he’s not going to be pulled from his closer role, but you have to be worried with his recent ineptitude that he may be nursing an injury. As a result, it would be savvy to keep John Grabow and Damaso Marte in your sights.

St. Louis Cardinals – Jason Isringhausen (with his inexcusable 6 blown saves and putrid 1-5 record) came off the DL this week after a lacerated hand and a poor stretch shelved him for a month. Izzy had a strong outing in his first appearance since May 15, so it looks like Ryan Franklin’s days as the closer could possibly be numbered despite the fact that he converted 7 of 8 save opportunities with Izzy out of the mix. Considering Franklin has been allowing hits in bunches in June, we suspect Isringhausen will be back to slamming the door within a week or two, provided he doesn’t have another meltdown. But Franklin’s still the source for saves until we actually see Izzy in the ninth consistently nailing down saves.

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 Princeton University in 1999.
 

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