The Closer Debate

[BK METS]

There is the same debate every year, for me, whether I waste a high draft pick on a closer, or take a chance and go with the 2nd tier closers. Once it gets to the big draft day (Main Event), it seems I always give in and take the big guy, Craig Kimbrel in the 4th round or so.

This year, with closers going earlier and earlier, and Kimbrel going in the 3rd round, it is going to be a hard choice. When I look back at my winning teams, I have always had 2 solid closers who I never had to touch all season. No scrambling for a free agent closer, all season. No worry that my guy would lose his job. It is one category that I knew I would have locked up.

But, this year, with so many closers going so early, its an even bigger debate. Last year, it was Kimbrel, Chapman, then a big gap until the rest of the closers. This year, closers are consistently going in rounds 4-8. Last year, the closer run typically happened in the 11th or 12th round. This year, its the 9th or 10th, and it is only for the guys that remain.

One thing is for sure, you don't win a big overall title without a couple of good closers, whether drafted or picked up in free agency. I do believe someone won an overall auction championship, a few years ago, while punting saves, but it is rare, and not going to happen in the big money events.

So, I am still undecided when I will take my closers, but one thing is for sure, I am taking closers. Kimbrel in the 3rd round? Not so sure...

[NorCalAtlFan]

better debate than Jeter should get 100% of hof vote

kds 15, take kimbrel and ? on the 3-4 turn, and sleep well at night

[Deadheadz]

Relax, Alan.

Mo Rivera will be there for you in the 38th round.

[Navel Lint]

You Have to Have two closers that will get you 75+ Saves, yet I don't think you can use a high round pick too get one and still win the overall.

I could be wrong, but it just seems based on previous champions rosters that you have to hit on two perfect closers in the 8 to 10 round range and utilize your high round pick on hitting or SP.

[BK METS]

You Have to Have two closers that will get you 75+ Saves, yet I don't think you can use a high round pick too get one and still win the overall.

I could be wrong, but it just seems based on previous champions rosters that you have to hit on two perfect closers in the 8 to 10 round range and utilize your high round pick on hitting or SP.

Chapman and Kimbrel were on a few of the overall rosters last year. Kimbrel the year before, as well. No, you don't need to use a high draft pick on a closer, but this year, if you wait until the 10th round, you might not find a decent one.

[BK METS]

better debate than Jeter should get 100% of hof vote

kds 15, take kimbrel and ? on the 3-4 turn, and sleep well at night

I wish is was that easy. This year, it seems he is gone by 3:15 in the drafts I have been in.

[Edwards Kings]

Those that do take Kimbrel or Chapman early feel they lock at least 50% of their necessary saves AND lock the 100 K's for the edge. Check the box and concentrate on something else. I understand the strategy and like most strategies I think it can work given there is a plan to make up for that top-tier offensive or starting pitcher that you are passing up in the 3rd/4th.

I have gone another route, sometimes successful. I know I will not take Kimbrel (like I know I will not take Kershaw) because the tradeoff on overall points may not be worth it. I still believe I can give myself enough pitching by taking the stars (as opposed to the super-stars). Last year the closer strategy (solid, respectable closers with good history) failed completely. My analysis was to who was "solid and respectable" was off, but I still had enough pitching to finish (a distant) third in pitching points in my league.

I will probably stay with "solid and respectable" or go with a solid 2nd and maybe two 3rd class closers. Those that have Kimbrel and Chapman can just sit back and grin (then sweat finding that extra 20 HR's).