More on closers
I would break down the team-by-team closing situations from a fantasy perspective in this manner (with saves, save opportunities and ERA entering the weekend):
Weekly starters (13)
- Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox (11-13 saves, 2.41 ERA)
- Mariano Rivera, Yankees (11-11, 0.53)
- Joe Nathan, Twins (12-12, 1.89)
- Francisco Rodriguez, Angels (16-17, 3.12)
- Brad Lidge, Phillies (10-10, 0.50)
- Billy Wagner, Mets (8-9, 0.00)
- Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks (12-14, 1.89)
- Bobby Jenks, White Sox (8-10, 2.20)
- Joakim Soria, Royals (10-10, 0.00)
- Francisco Cordero, Reds (7-8, 2.60)
- Jose Valverde, Astros (11-14, 4.15)
- Troy Percival, Rays (10-12, 2.25)
- George Sherrill, Orioles (15-17, 3.79)
Worth starting, depending on team and format (11)
- Masa Kobayashi, Indians (2-2 saves, 1.86)
- Ryan Franklin, Cardinals (2-4, 1.80)
- Huston Street, Athletics (9-11, 3.63 ERA)
- Kerry Wood, Cubs (8-11, 3.92)
- B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays (7-7, 0.00)
- Matt Capps, Pirates (9-9, 2.41)
- Jon Rauch, Nationals (9-11, 2.61)
- Takashi Saito, Dodgers (6-8, 1.65)
- Brian Wilson, Giants (12-14, 3.18)
- Todd Jones, Tigers (5-5, 4.80)
- Kevin Gregg, Marlins (7-8, 2.89)
Part-time starters at best (5)
- Eric Gagne, Brewers (10-15 saves, 6.27)
- Trevor Hoffman, Padres (7-9, 5.40 ERA)
- C.J. Wilson, Rangers (8-9, 5.09)
- Brian Fuentes, Rockies (4-6, 2.55)
- J.J. Putz, Mariners (3-5, 4.50)
Waiting on Smoltz: The Braves
John Smoltz is on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, and he should be the closer when he gets back. Smoltz was 44-24 as a starter from 2005-07, and he was very effective as a closer the three seasons before that, saving a combined 144 games from 2002-04.
To alleviate the stress on his shoulder, the 41-year-old likely will be the Braves’ stopper. When he returns (likely in June), get him in your lineup.
Until then, hope you don’t have to depend on Gagne or Isringhausen.
