There is one unequivocal truth every year in Fantasy Baseball; there will be a number of pitchers available on the waiver wire that will save more games than some closers who were drafted. Last year saw Kevin Gregg (32 saves), Jeremy Accardo (30), and Manny Corpas (19) rise to the occasion and provide some much needed points to save starved fantasy owners.
Many fantasy owners don’t have the luxury of being quick on the old free agency draw, so TheDude is going to help you target these closers in waiting before their names hit the spotlight. I’ve notched a cheap closer every year for the past five years. I’ve discovered such hidden gems as Joe Nathan, Dan Kolb, Brad Lidge, Huston Street, J.J. Putz, and just last year I had Kevin Gregg. Now some of these guys didn’t last long, but if you caught them at the right time they paid huge dividends.
I’ll break it down by teams most likely to require a change, and if there’s any chance of a coup I’ll let you know.
Washington Nationals
Chad Cordero- The best the Nats can hope for in their current situation. They just aren’t ready to win yet, and many teams would like Cordero in their bullpen. I’d stay away from Cordero, as I’m guessing he gets moved this year, and because he showed no improvement last year it could be in the setup role.
Jon Rauch- His numbers were a bit better than Cordero’s, and when/if Washington gets suitable value for Cordero he’ll fit in admirably. Don’t draft him, unless you own Cordero, but as soon as any trade rumors start flying grab him quickly.
Minnesota Twins
Joe Nathan- A top 5 closer and a personal favorite of TheDude, unfortunately the Twins are selling and everyone would be buying Joe. Don’t avoid him in the draft, because he has the stuff to close on just about any team, but his tenure on the Twins may soon be at an end.
Pat Neshek- By now Pat should be a regular late round draft pick in almost any league based on the qualitative numbers he provides. His numbers as a reliever sans saves can justify a roster spot, and when you throw in the possibility of his eminent succession of Nathan he’s a bon-a-fide steal.
Oakland Athletics
Huston Street- He’s trade bait and you just know someone is going to bite. Not only isn’t his job guaranteed on a new team, but his talent and health came into question last year. Let someone else take the risk this year.
Joey Devine- This guy is a K machine. Think Lidge pre-Pujolsilization. He struck out an astounding 85 in 65 IP last year. Last season also included 20 Minor League saves. You know Billy Beane is just salivating to pull off another trade and stick this kid in the role.
Cleveland Indians
Joe Borowski- Probably the only thing worse than the Indians blowing the ALCS was that Joe wasn’t directly responsible. Invariably this has earned him another go-around as the Indians closer. I’m guessing it doesn’t last this time.
Masahide Kobayashi- Wait not Rafael Betancourt?!? For some reason Cleveland is just not comfortable with Raffy, and I don’t think it’s by mistake they signed a Japanese closer with 7 consecutive seasons of 20 or more saves. Just recently in Spring Training he worked himself out of a bases loaded nobody out jam without surrendering a run. One of TheDudes favorite things to watch a pitcher do!
Florida Marlins
Kevin Gregg- He’ll start as the closer, and it’s his job to lose, but let’s get real for a second. This was his first real season with an ERA under 4.00, and he’ll turn 30 this season. I’d imagine that’s not exactly the resume the rebuilding Marlins are looking for.
Matt Lindstrom- He’s four years younger than Gregg, had a better season last year (out of the closers role of course), and can hit 102 on the radar gun. That’s a resume Marlins management can sink their teeth into.
I believe the above five closers in waiting are the steals of the relief corps this year. My personal rankings would be as follows.
1.) Pat Neshek- Contingent upon Nathan’s departure, but should Joe stay you’ll still reap the rewards of an excellent 70+ ip.
2.) Matt Lindstrom- My bet to notch the most saves of the bunch, and a must for any Gregg owner.
3.) Joey Devine- He’s the guy that can vault himself into elite closer status overnight. Do not sleep on this guy.
4.) Jon Rauch- He’s uninspiring yet a solid pick to leach some saves in a very deep league.
5.) Masahide Kobayashi- I’d have him higher than Rauch, but my Raffy theory could be shot down in a hurry. Once Borowski is on the ropes, and since Betancourt is sure to be drafted, do yourself a favor and roster him before his name starts hitting the news wire.
Honorable Mention
Jonathan Broxton (LAD)
Chris Perez (STL)
Fernando Rodney (DET)
Eddie Guardado (TEX)
Al Reyes (TB)
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Never I mean NEVER overpay for saves. Some of those "experts" say don't pay for saves period, I think this is extreme crap. You have named a few good examples here of where you can acquire some cheap saves. Also there are always those who step into the closer role for a few weeks due to injury, just need to keep your eye on the waiver wire.
I agree with the never draft a RP early but sometimes there are exceptions. Last year i entered the draft with Borowski, Gagne and Wickman, just remembering that makes me want to barf. When you do not have a quality closer (at least 1) you get worried. My last great closer was Turnbow and that lasted a good year and a half. I would gladly overpay and reach for a top 5 RP because at some point guys like Borowski, T. Jones, Wickman and others that seem to have been around for too long hurt your team. Sure I'll take 35 - 40 saves but I'd rather have 25 - 30 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 9.50 K/9 than a guy (like Borowski, et all) with a 4.50 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and a 7.50 K/9. I'd love one consisten Closer spot filled every year. You cant always rely on the late round 20+ saves guy. Sometimes you get beaten to F. Corderos of the world and have to settle with the E. Gagnes
Thanks for taking the time to discuss and share this with us, I for one feel strongly about it and really enjoyed learning more about this topic. I can see that you possess a degree of expertise on this subject, I would very a lot like to hear much more from you on this matter
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