2007 Closer Watch

[Hellwig]

Astros change closers:

The Astros have decided to pull Brad Lidge from the closer's role and use him earlier in games. Dan Wheeler is the new favorite for saves in Houston.

"I'm going to change the bullpen configuration a little bit," manager Phil Garner said. "Brad is not going to close as a general rule. ... As of right now I'm going to pitch him earlier in the game, sixth inning area, sixth-seventh inning area 'cause I want to pitch him more often, give him more consistent work. As it stands right now I'll probably close with Wheeler, set up with [Chad] Qualls and [Rick] White." It had to be done. Lidge's fastball is still there, so he could turn things around if he gets his head on straight. In the meantime, Wheeler will likely do a fine job saving games.

Link

Has Lidge ever fell off the map or what!?

[DiamondDave]

Already replaced on the one fantasy team where I have him

[all4phillysportsfan]

John Kruk said it all on sportscenter. A change of scenery would be great for Lidge.

[Hellwig]

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Jorge Julio has been told he is no longer the Marlins' closer.

Julio, who blew two saves in the past week, was told by manager Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday that he will now work in the sixth or seventh innings. "It is best for me right now," said Julio. "I need to work on my game, especially my command. I like this team, and I want to help it, not hurt it." Gonzalez says he hasn't decided on a replacement, but Henry Owens, Lee Gardner and Matt Lindstrom are candidates.

Link

Ugh; the dreaded Closer by Committee.

Can’t Baseball Managers think of the fantasy baseball players for once!

[645]

A few changes today in Texas Eric Gagne has come off the DL and is now there closer and in Kansas City Joakim Soria have replaced David Riske as there fill-in closer for Octavio Dotel who don't expect to be back tell atless early May.

[645]

Manager Fredi Gonzalez announced Friday that Julio has been removed from the closers' role and the team would go with a closer committee.

He also Henry Owens could get the first chance but Tankersley is also an option.

[645]

Alright it is my option if you need a closer Henry Owens is the guy to pickup for he has been pitching very will and I think he is going to hold on to that closer job for awhile if not all year.

[645]

Toronto's Closer B.J. Ryan has been placed on the DL and Jason Frasor will be the Closer in his place.

[Scoresberg21]

Al Reyes is now closing in Tampa Bay.

[John F]

Al Reyes is 10 for 10 in save opportunities as of this morning.

[645]

There are a few changes of note.

In Toronto Jeremy Accardo replaces Jason Frasor as Closer and the fill-in tag has been removed for it is now known that BJ Ryan is out for the season.

In Philladelphia Brett Myers is the fill-in closer for Tom Gordon who was placed on the DL.

In Florida Henry Owens has been placed on the DL and Jorge Julio has been given a 2nd chance at being the Closer and may hold the closer job once Owens return if he pitches good.

[645]

The Marlins Have traded Jorge Julio to the Rockies and The Marlins will go with a committee tell Henry Owens returns from the DL.

Also in Washington Chad Cordero has returned and is back in the Closer role.