Bullpen Report

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:51 am

I wrote the Bullpen Article for our second issue and as is always the case at this time of the year there were a number of teams with unsettled closer situations. Here's a look at some of them. Who do you guys think might emerge here or elsewhere in 2010?

Baltimore

Mike Gonzalez and Jim Johnson are expected to compete for the closer's job. Gonzalez has the experience but is far from elite. I'd consider him the front-runner but hardly a lock to keep the job the entire season.

Detroit

You know things are bad when Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon are going to be sorely missed. The Tigers have a gaping hole in the closer spot and no sure thing to fill it.

Florida

Leo Nunez will get the first chance to replace Matt LIndstrom but he blew seven saves and allowed 13 HRs last season. He's far from a sure thing.

Pittsburgh

Matt Capps was dropped in December. Joel Hanrahan is the front-runner for the closer's job but he lacks experience. The sleeper pick here could be Evan Meek, who held batters to a .209 average last season.

Toronto

The Blue Jays are expected to use both Jason Frasor and Scott Downs in a committee approach in 2010. Frasor's the superior option but neither has standout potential.

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:44 am

With Toronto, I think you'd have to think Frasor has the job since he didn't lose it last year even after Downs returned. That said, Frasor went from having abominable control in 2008 to above average in 2009. If he regresses, they'll be quick to pull the rug out from under him.

I can't imagine a world where Mike Gonzalez is healthy and playing second fiddle to Jim Johnson.

Gonzalez had 90 K's in 74.1 innings with a 2.42 ERA last year. I'm not sure how much better it gets than that. Meanwhile, Johnson had 49 K's in 70 innings and a 4.11. These guys aren't even in the same ballpark, pardon the pun.

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:03 pm

Here is a long shot for the Pirates job.I wOULDNT BE SUPRISED if the Pirates sign free agent Octavio Dotel for one year.He still gets plenty of k's and was actually better than fat ass Bobby Jenks last year.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:13 pm

Originally posted by eddiejag:

Here is a long shot for the Pirates job.I wOULDNT BE SUPRISED if the Pirates sign free agent Octavio Dotel for one year.He still gets plenty of k's and was actually better than fat ass Bobby Jenks last year. Dotel never has done well as a closer, and from what I recall doesn't even like closing.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:22 pm

Originally posted by bjoak:

With Toronto, I think you'd have to think Frasor has the job since he didn't lose it last year even after Downs returned. That said, Frasor went from having abominable control in 2008 to above average in 2009. If he regresses, they'll be quick to pull the rug out from under him.

I can't imagine a world where Mike Gonzalez is healthy and playing second fiddle to Jim Johnson.

Gonzalez had 90 K's in 74.1 innings with a 2.42 ERA last year. I'm not sure how much better it gets than that. Meanwhile, Johnson had 49 K's in 70 innings and a 4.11. These guys aren't even in the same ballpark, pardon the pun. Agree on Gonzalez, when his numbers haven't been great he was coming off injury. When healthy, elite numbers.

Disagree on Downs/Frasor, for similar reason. Downs was very good in closer role 'til getting hurt. If healthy, I think it's a toss-up in TOR.

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:54 pm

Originally posted by KJ Duke:

quote:Originally posted by eddiejag:

Here is a long shot for the Pirates job.I wOULDNT BE SUPRISED if the Pirates sign free agent Octavio Dotel for one year.He still gets plenty of k's and was actually better than fat ass Bobby Jenks last year. Dotel never has done well as a closer, and from what I recall doesn't even like closing. [/QUOTE]In 2004 with A's Dotel saved 36 games in 85 innings with a crazy 122 k's.Thats a lot of strike outs for a relief pitcher.That would make him a top three closer that year.

I did say long shot.

Ryan C · Post by **Ryan C** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:07 pm

As an Indian fan - going into this season - one of many questions is IF/WHEN the Indians will deal Kerry Wood. They seem content to enter the season with him - but he is an expensive($10.5 million), injury prone closer on a rebuilding club. So at some point you have to think Shapiro moves him for another piece (or two) of the 2011/2012 Tribe puzzle.

The game then become who's next in line in Cleveland??? Chris Perez likely gets the first shot to close. Jensen Lewis likely would be next in line due to his 13 save audition from 2008.

Jess Todd (who also came in the DeRosa deal), Joe Smith, Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp & Jose Veras will all have roles - but only Perez could sniff some situational saves.

The darkhorse of course is failed prospect Adam Miller - who underwent another surgery and may have to become a short reliever if the Indians want to try and salvage this once promising career. The best thing going for Miller - is the Indians have a pretty good track record working with injured pitchers.

Wood could hold the job in Cleveland all year - but I wouldn't be surprised to see Perez or Lewis ring up 10-20 saves. If you draft Wood - you'll have to decide who your insurance policy goes to.

[ January 10, 2010, 02:08 AM: Message edited by: Ryan Carey ]

Less than Dave · Post by **Less than Dave** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 6:13 am

Chris Perez will get and keep the closer's role in Cleveland, I think. Adam Miller hasn't even been able to stay healthy as a reliever yet. Sipp might be more dominant, but he lacks Perez's control and is a lefty, which most teams don't like using as a closer. I don't think any of the others have a closer's makeup, but I do think Perez does.