2007 Closer Watch

[all4phillysportsfan]

Yeah 645, I do see where you're coming from. Any outsiders do see that Geary would be the 2nd option, he pitched very well last year. Obviously there are some battles that will be determined in Spring Training. I think Atlanta for example will have that. If Wickman has a horrible spring, and Soriano or Gonzalez pitch lights out, you may see either one of them close.

[645]

Yeah there is no question there will be closer that will not play as good as expected and backup that will do better without the preseason and the season and there will be changes as we go along and for you bring up the Atlanta closer is interesting for that is one that there could be a few changes made.

[645]

I've come across more updated info and I have made a number of changes.

AL
Detroit
Zumaya from 2 to 1
Rodney from 1 to 2

Kansas City
Riske New at 1
Nelson from 1 to 2

Los Angeles-A
Speier New at 2

NL
New York
Sanchez new at 2

Washington
Wagner new at 2

Chicago
Howry from Co-Closer to 1
Wood New at 2

Milwaukee
Capellan New at 2

Colorado
Hawkins New at 1

San Francisco
Wilson New at 1

[BravesRule22]

Milwaukee
Capellan New at 2

Still cant believe we traded him for Dan freakin Kolb

[645]

I have change the Rating on Reds David Weathers from Low to Short Leash becouse I have read on Fanball Newsbreakers that the Closer role will be up for grabs.

[645]

Another update

In cleveland the closer spot has becoume more clear as co-closer Foulke today desided to retire meaning that Joe Borowski becomes Closer and Rafael Betancourt moves up to 1st in line and Fernando Cabrera becomes 2nd in line.

A few other changes
Ricky Nolasco becomes 1st in line in florida.
Josh Sharpless becomes 2nd in line in Pittsburgh.

[645]

It's never too early for fantasy owners to collect knowledge about closer situations. It seems like at least one-third of the major league teams change their ninth inning guy at some point during the season, and fantasy baseball owners never quite know where the next J.J. Putz or Jonathan Papelbon might come from. But we can do our best to prepare for what will likely be another tumultuous season at the position. Most of the major league teams are pretty well set at this early point of the preseason, but we're here to look at the open competitions, those closers with tenuous holds, and the stoppers who enter spring with injury questions:

Fantasy Baseball - Fanball.com

[645]

Florida's Taylor Tankersley has been shut down for 5-7 days for left shoulder inflammation.

It is probly nothing but something you should keep in mind for the florida closer job is one that could be up for grabs.

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News

[Emmanuel]

there is NOWAY that Myers will be closing for the Phils

[DiamondDave]

Would like some thoughts on Gagne

He's been dropped in my keeper league. He is supposedly throwing pain free, but is not like he was before. Still many are saying he is going to be the closer in Texas. This is debatable, but seems that there is more than a 50% chance this could be the case.

I have the ability to draop a spare OF (there are always plenty of backup OF's) such as Brian Giles, to take a flyer on Gagne to be my 4th or 5th closer. I already have Saito, Lidge, Torres, and Zumaya. If Zumaya gets saves and Gagne gets to close, 5 closers on my roster would almost ensure my winning the saves category.

Thoughts???

[Otter]

Right now he is throwing Low 90's, so his heat isn't what it used to be, but he still has the good curve and change up. Barring any set back, he will be the Rangers closer to start the season.

[Otter]

THE NEWBERG REPORT

The first thing I thought about when Eric Gagne took the mound on the back field adorned by three five-row metal bleachers and not much else, with C.J. Wilson 50 feet away throwing his side to get ready to pitch the second and third innings, was how surreal the moment had to be for Hunter Harrigan, who signed with the Rangers nine months ago after going undrafted out of Southern Illinois University and proceeded to hit .121 in 58 at-bats for Spokane (with one emergency appearance for Oklahoma). Harrigan got the assignment to catch Gagne and Wilson, and later Wes Littleton, in the Rangers’ AAA matchup against the Royals yesterday afternoon.

The scene as Gagne warmed up on the side was very cool. There were a few members of the national press, a bunch of Metroplex writers, a gaggle of pitching coaches, and at least two dozen minor league pitchers, that final group obviously in awe as they absorbed Gagne’s process.

By time the game got underway, the crowd – which probably approached 60 or 70 observers, easily four times more than normal – included Jon Daniels and Ron Washington, even though the big league club was getting its own game underway 150 miles away in Tucson. Gagne made quick work of the Royals in his one frame, throwing 10 of his 14 pitches for strikes and logging a pair of punchouts. He had command of all his pitches (fastball, curve, and a spellbinding change).

[645]

Alright, I have merge this thread with my Closer Watch thread becouse I want all discussion about Closers and possable closers to take place here so it is easy to find.

For Gagne it is possable he could be the rangers closer and all know how good he can be. So it is worth a flyer on him if you understand the risks that come from him.

[Goose]

JJ Putz has been experiencing elbow tightness recently. He's having an MRI today to see if there is anything wrong. Would be something to keep an eye on considering he was one of the best closers in baseball last year.

[645]

In Tampa Bay the Favorite entering Spring Training Seth McClung have pitched himself out of consideration for the closer spot and is now 3rd in line.

Brian Stokes who officially moved to the bullpen this week become the front runner and holds the closer spot now.

Rookie Juan Salas is 1st in line right now.