Older Notes and Updates
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Update: MIN
As feared, closer Joe Nathan has a torn elbow ligament and will miss significant time, likely the entire 2010 season. He will first try rest and rehab in the hope of avoiding surgery, but he seems a longshot to return the mound before he first revisits the OR.
Update: TOR
The Blue Jays have scooped up ex-Tiger Casey Fien from waivers, according to JaysJournal.com. Assuming he sticks on the 25-man roster (and he should), Fien is yet another closer-capable young gun in what's becoming a very deep (and confusing) Toronto bullpen.
Update: HOU
Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom are beginning a month-long spring competition for the closer's job in Houston, according to new manager Brad Mills. It's been awhile since there was such a clear cut battle for ninth inning duty, which makes this one of the spring's more interesting stories to watch. We like Lindstrom's stuff, but Lyon has the cooler head.
Update: LAD
Eric Gagne is returning to L.A. after signing a minor league deal with the Dodgers. The righthander, who had his best years as a dominant closer with the Dodgers, will compete for a bullpen role in spring training.
Update: FLA
Free agent Mike MacDougal, who ended the 2009 season as Washington's closer, has signed a one year contract with the Florida Marlins. He's expected to provide at least token competition for likely-closer Leo Nunez in spring training.
Update: NYY
It looks like the Yankees might be more interested in winning than experimenting after all. According to the NY Post, the team has decided to deposit a grumbling Joba Chamberlain (who's always been best as a reliever) back into the bullpen while moving Phil Hughes (who was pretty effective in the 8th inning himself) back into the rotation. Again.
Update: TOR
Things just got more complicated in Toronto. The Jays have signed ex-Marlin closer Kevin Gregg to a one year contract with two option years that hinge on performance milestones, including games finished. Scott Downs and Jason Frasor might want to delay those Rosedale real estate purchases for another year.
Update: PIT
Octavio Dotel has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He should immediately step into the closer's role, at least for 2010.
Update: DET
Jose Valverde has finally passed his physical (no slam-dunk, there) and will take over as the Detroit Tigers closer. The big righthander signed a two year contract with an option for a third year. This says as much about the value of a veteran pitcher as it does about the Tigers lack of faith in the fragile Joel Zumaya.
Update: WAS
Drew Storen fans (both of you), you'll have to wait for 2011, as the Nationals have signed ex-Pirate Matt Capps to close for the team in 2010. Unless he flames out spectacularly, Capps should have the job all season.
Update: LAA
The Angels have signed ex-Tiger Fernando Rodney to a two-year deal. The hardthrowing righthander will reinforce a somewhat depleted bullpen, while backing up closer Brian Fuentes.
Update: BAL
The Baltimore Orioles seem to have found a new closer for 2010, as they've signed ex-Braves lefty Mike Gonzalez to a two-year deal. While he won't be anointed the closer immediately, he's used to that treatment. He'll probably split duties with Jim Johnson in the spring, and the hotter hand will win the full-time job by midseason.
Update: LAA
Jose Arredondo will undergo reconstructive surgery and miss the 2010 season.
Update: CHW
Free agent JJ Putz, late of the Mets, has signed with the White Sox. For now, he'll set up closer Bobby Jenks, but Jenks is one of the least solid arms in the business, so Putz could get a chance to close again in 2010, too.
Update: HOU
Continuing their quick bullpen rebuild, the Astros today signed Brandon Lyon to a $15M, three year contract. He'll back up presumed new closer Matt Lindstrom, acquired earlier this week.
Update: ATL
The Braves solved their 'too many closers' problem in a quick trade with Tampa Bay today, sending 30 year old righthander Rafael Soriano to the Rays for young flamethrower Jesse Chavez. While mainly a cost-saving measure, this also gives the Braves an intriguing long-term option: Chavez is one of the hardest-throwing youngsters in baseball, with a fastball that can reach 98mph in short work.
Update: HOU
Houston has acquired hard-throwing righthander Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins. With Jose Valverdo a free agent, Lindstrom should have little competition for the closer's job in 2010.
Update: ATL
Closer Rafael Soriano has accepted the Braves offer of salary arbitration, to the surprise of many. With Billy Wagner recently signed for the ninth inning, it sounds like Soriano would be content to shift back into an eighth inning role for now... though it's also possible that the Braves will explore quick trade options while Soriano's name is still fresh in the news.
Update: ATL
Ex-Met closer Billy Wagner, recently of the Red Sox, has signed a one-year, $7 million contract with Atlanta. He becomes the de facto closer on a team with few bullpen certainties. The deal includes a 2011 option that could vest automatically with performance thresholds.
Update: MLW
Trevor Hoffman will return to close for Milwaukee in 2010, as he works to push his career saves record out of Mariano's reach. There's no reason to think he won't notch another thirty or forty saves for the contending Brewers.
Update: CHW
With Bobby Jenks shut down for the year, look for Octavio Dotel and Matt Thornton to split closing duties down the stretch. The White Sox bullpen, always heavy on high heat, probably won't miss a beat here.
Update: LAA
Manager Mike Scioscia reported that he's willing to use Kevin Jepsen in 'some' closing situations, depending on the specific ninth-inning matchups. Regular Angel closer Brian Fuentes has been solid but unspectacular most of the season, but has struggled in recent weeks. Like all left-handed closers, Fuentes will always be on a relatively short leash, since his value in a setup role is at least as high.
Update: PHI
Can you win a division with the worst bullpen in baseball? The Phillies sure are trying, as 'temporary closer' Ryan Madson has flamed out twice in a row. With Brad Lidge not exactly garnering strong support, it looks like number three man Brett Myers might get another chance to close soon. Phillies fans better be hoping for some 9-7 victories in the playoffs.
Update: TOR
With saves in each of the last three games, Jason Frasor seems to be locking back into the closer's job in Toronto a lot more firmly than the Jays predicted. Scott Downs, recently back from injury, has now been setting up Frasor for more than two weeks, including in each of those three recent saves. The lefty-righty couple are a nasty combination when they're both healthy, so the Jays may just continue the experiment for awhile. Downs is under contract through 2011, but Frasor's riding out a one-year deal in high style.
Update: COL
Huston Street will be sidelined indefinitely while resting his biceps. Franklin Morales, pushed out of the rotation for most of the season, will take over as closer in the short-term.
Update: ARZ
Confirming earlier rumor, Diamondback closer Chad Qualls will have season-ending surgery. There's no great backup in the Arizona bullpen: the Diamondbacks may mix and match to evaluate their players from here on out.
Update: ARZ
Chad Qualls suffered a dislocated knee on Sunday, which means he is probably headed to the DL for awhile. With backup closer Jon Rauch shipped to Minnesota and Scott Schoeneweis recovering from his wife's death, there's no obvious replacement closer in Arizona. Juan Gutierrez looks like the likely candidate, though he sure hasn't earned it with his poor performance all summer.
Update: BOS
Despite rumors to the contrary, lefty Billy Wagner is indeed going to the Boston Red Sox in trade for two minor league prospects. Wagner is on a restricted workload, but his presence doubles the lefthanded specialists available in the Boston bullpen down the stretch. The veteran is also an intriguing option for 2010, should the team choose to shop the problematic Papelbon this winter.
Update: CHC
Openly frustrated at a post-game press conference last night, Cubs coach Lou Piniella admitted that 'it's time to make some changes' in the team's closer role. Setup man Carlos Marmol and the red-hot Angel Guzman are the likely beneficiaries here.
Update: TEX
According to the Arlington Star-Telegram, the Rangers will use a closer-by-committee down the stretch in an effort to protect the arm of oft-injured Frank Francisco. That means CJ Wilson remains in line for some 9th inning work from here on out.
Update: BAL
The Orioles have traded lefthanded closer George Sherrill to the Dodgers for prospects Josh Bell and Steve Johnson. Jim Johnson looks like the fill-in closer in Baltimore until and unless Chris Ray recovers from his nagging problems.
Update: TEX
Franky Francisco is back on the DL, this time with pneumonia. That means another week or two for feisty lefty CJ Wilson.
Update: BAL
According to SI, the Baltimore Orioles have acquired setup man Cla Meredith from the Padres for journeyman infielder Oscar Salazar.
Update: DET
Joel Zumaya will move back to the DL after 'hearing a pop' in his arm during last night's game. Early indications are that he's re-aggravated the shoulder injury that has sidelined him three times in the last year.
Update: TOR
As they re-activated closer Scott Downs from the DL, Toronto made room in the most dramatic way possible: by releasing $47-million man BJ Ryan. Ryan, who lost a year to surgery, never really did regain his once-elite form. He may catch on somewhere, but a return to closing anywhere anytime soon seems unlikely.
Update: CHW
The Diamondbacks have traded Tony Pena to the White Sox for 1B prospect Brandon Allen, according to the Arizona Sun-Times. Pena will join a mix of hot arms at the back end of the White Sox bullpen, but his value doesn't change appreciably, and closing duties don't seem any more likely.
Update: TB
The Indians traded a young relief prospect for an older one today, sending Jonathan Meloan to the Tampa Bay Rays for Winston Abreu. Neither figures to have much bullpen impact right away.
Update: CLE
Chris Perez and a PTBNL have been traded to the Cleveland Indians for utilityman Mark DeRosa. This is good news for Perez: he was stuck behind Ryan Franklin and Jason Motte in St. Louis, but the only real obstacle keeping him from closing in Cleveland will be the less-than-durable Kerry Wood.
Update: TOR
Jeremy Accardo, just recalled from AAA, notched two outs to get his first save today for Toronto, while presumed fillin-closer Jason Frasor was used for a single out in a high-leverage 8th inning, then lifted for a pinch hitter. It's tempting to make too much of this, especially as it was an odd situation with no DH in the NL park, but Accardo was lights-out as a closer in 2007, when he recorded 30 saves, so maybe this one isn't so clear after all.
Update: LAA
Scott Shields has undergone season-ending knee surgery, according to the Angels. Reliever Rafael Rodriguez will get a deeper opportunity to stick in the struggling Angels bullpen.
Update: TOR
As suspected, Scott Downs will go on the 15-day DL with... a sprained toe. While we send our warmest wishes to the Downs family for this heart-wrenching brush with tragedy, we expect Jason Frasor to get the lion's share of save opportunities for the next couple of weeks. Whether that happens before or after BJ Ryan's next meltdown, of course, is still an open question.
Update: TB
Jason Isringhausen has been shut down for the year and will require Tommy John surgery. His elbow 'popped and snapped' while on the mound in a game against the Nationals on Sunday. He wasn't really a viable closer candidate in Tampa anyway, and since he'll be 38 next season, this might mark the end of his career.
Update: TEX
Frank Francisco will remain shut down for the near future, and a DL trip may be looming for the delicate Texas closer. CJ Wilson, who held the closer's role for part of last season, has been lights-out as a fill-in recently, will remain the best 9th inning option.
Update: SEA
Not that it will surprise anyone who was 'lucky' enough to see his stint as closer, but Seattle youngster Brandon Morrow is going back to the minors (again) to convert himself back into a starter (again). One of these years, we may see the pitcher that was worth passing over Tim Lincecum for... but not this year. David Aardsma, who should have had the job all along anyway, just gained some extra security.
Update: LAA
The Angels have sent Jose Arredondo back to the minors to 'work out some problems' according to manager Mike Scioscia. Arredondo hasn't looked much different than last year, but the results haven't been there. No part of the Angels' bullpen looks very reliable right now.
Update: PHI
Brad Lidge will sit in the corner and think about what he's done for at least a couple of weeks, as the Phillies have moved him to the DL for non-arm-related issues. Ryan Madson, who's been pitching rings around Lidge anyway, will take over as the everyday closer for now. Don't be surprised if he keeps the job even once Lidge returns, either.
Update: WAS
It's barely worth reporting on, but the Washington Nationals have changed closers again, this time recalling onetime All Star Mike MacDougal from Syracuse to take over in the 9th. MacDougal had a 4.68 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP at Syracuse, which suggests that this latest experiment is no more likely to succeed than the previous half-dozen.
Update: PHI
JC Romero has completed serving his 50 game suspension and will be activated by the Phillies today. He's looking up at Ryan Madson and Clay Condrey on the depth chart now, though, so he won't be an automatic setup man. He could thrive as a lefty-specialist for the resurging Phillies.
Update: OAK
According to A's manager Bob Geren, Andrew Bailey is 'pretty much' his everyday closer now, with relievers Brad Ziegler, Mike Wuertz and Santiago Casilla all available for the ninth inning 'depending on the situation.' Anyone who's read Moneyball knows that Oakland won't treat closer as a position with any security, of course.
Update: KC
Joakim Soria has rejoined the Royals and will take back his closer's role right away. Unless he suffers a surprise setback in his first outings, he can pretty much be considered an instant top five closer again immediately.
Update: FLA
Leo Nunez is gaining some fans among management, which might mean that closer Matt Lindstrom is on a very short leash in Florida. Both pitchers have shown live arms but erratic command, which makes this situation a lot like Colorado's flip-flopping bullpen.
Update: TB
Troy Percival is back on the DL again for his balky shoulder, and according to MLB.com, the veteran righthander has grown so frustrated that he is considering retiring from baseball. Dan Wheeler will continue closing in Tampa for now, and perhaps for the whole season.
Update: KC
Royals' closer Joakim Soria is eligible to return to duty on Saturday, but he won't return to action for another week or longer, as his arm has not recovered as quickly as expected. The recurring nature of his health problems this season are starting to cause increased concern in Kansas City.
Update: TEX
Frankie 'Two Times' Francisco has been put on the DL, which means that sidearming straight-talker CJ Wilson will get his share of save opportunities for the red-hot Rangers in the next couple of weeks. He's had ups and downs, but he's been very good lately.
Update: SEA
According to the Seattle P-I, David Aardsma is taking over closer duties in Seattle after a distraught Brandon Morrow blew two consecutive saves this week. Aardsma's been the best pitcher in the Mariner bullpen by far, so he has a chance to hold the job down for some time. Whether Morrow will remain in a relief role or will be reconsidered for starting duty is still up for discussion, but for now the team is keeping him in the bullpen.
Update: TOR
While BJ Ryan is about to return to active duty, the Blue Jays have decided to keep Scott Downs as their full-time closer, according to the Toronto Sun. According to GM JP Ricciardi, 'Downs is doing such a good job and we're comfortable in that role... it's a role right now that's not open.'
Update: SEA
The Mariners re-activated Brandon Morrow from the DL last night. As talented as he is, he still looks like a very fragile option, so David Aardsma should probably stay warmed up.
Update: KC
Joakim Soria is going back to the DL again with non-specific shoulder issues. It's starting to become a major concern for Kansas City. If Soria requires season-ending surgery, as some are whispering, Juan Cruz's value will skyrocket fast.
Update: CLE
The Indians have demoted setup man Rafael Perez to the minors and called up veteran Matt Herges in an attempt to shore up their bullpen, which has been one of the run-leakiest so far this season. Herges is an accomplished reliever who should get opportunities to impress immediately.
Update: SEA
Brandon Morrow's been placed on the DL (already), which doesn't say much for the plan to preserve his health by moving him to the bullpen. Hot hand David Aardsma is the best bet for saves for the next week or so, with rookie Sean Kelley, who's been lights-out versus lefthanders despite being a northpaw, is likely to work swings and setups.
Update: COL
Corpas out again, Street in again. Clint Hurdle has moved back to using Huston Street at closer, at least for now. Neither Corpas nor Street has really earned he job, though, so expect this one to flip-flop a few more times before the season is done. Fantasy players should really be holding onto both, or banking on neither.
Update: LAD
Joe Torre agreed with a reporter yesterday that he won't 'automatically' turn to Hong-Chih Kuo in the eighth inning until the lefthander re-finds his earlier success. Expect Cory Wade, Ramon Troncoso and Ronald Belisario to get some higher-leverage chances in the mean time, though none of those is exactly a lights-out option.
Update: WAS
Not that it'll make much difference, but Joel Hanrahan (8.64 ERA, though half of that thanks to a Raul Ibanez grand slam) has been formally removed from the closer's role in Washington, leaving a ragtag collection of veterans (Kip Wells, Julian Tavarez) and young wild things (Garret Mock, Steve Shell) for Manny Acta to choose from. He's expected to play it by ear from game to game for now. The Nationals bullpen leads MLB with seven losses and six blown saves in April.
Update: KC
Joakim Soria's shoulder MRI revealed no structural damage, but he'll remain shelved for at least the next few days before testing it again. Shoulder injuries tend to be long-term annoying, so it looks like Juan Cruz and Kyle Farnsworth will share closing duties in KC for awhile.
Update: TOR
Well that didn't take long. Toronto reliever BJ Ryan was sent to the disabled list with non-specific 'back problems' at 4pm, and Scott Downs was named interim closer. He notched his first save six hours later as the Jays defeated the Rangers. Downs probably deserved the job even without the 'injury' to Ryan: his 14 strikeouts and zero walks this season come along with an ERA of 0.93 and a WHIP of 0.41. All of which is to say that even when Ryan returns, there might be a new sheriff to deal with. Downs is looking very, very good right now, and should be the most popular player on fantasy waiver wires tomorrow.
Update: TOR
B.J. Ryan blew his third save of the young season last night, lifting his April ERA to 11.1 in six appearances. And for the third time, young Jason Frasor swooped in for the vulture win while mopping up Ryan's mess. That the Jays have managed to stay on top of the AL East despite Ryan's best efforts to sink them is pretty incredible. Despite Frasor's success 'replacing' Ryan in game situations, lefthander Scott Downs (0.46 WHIP, 13 strikeouts and zero walks) is almost certainly next in line.
Update: ATL
Nothing's official yet, but it sure looks like Rafael Soriano is the new closer in Atlanta, or at least a part-time one. In tonight's game, Mike Gonzalez was used in the 8th inning, leaving the ninth for Soriano, who went 1-2-3 to lock down his second save of the year. There's been no announcement from the Braves, so for now we'll consider Soriano to be closer 1(A) while continuing to keep an eye on how manager Bobby Cox uses his relievers over the next few games.
Update: STL
The shaky Cardinal bullpen got a little better today as St Louis acquired righthander Blaine Boyer from Atlanta for minor leaguer Brian Barton.
Update: COL
Colorado has formally named Manny Corpas the team's closer (again), moving Huston Street to 'seventh or eighth' inning duty for now.
Update: STL
It's still April, but two save chances in a row makes Ryan Franklin the new de facto closer in St. Louis. This is the shakiest bullpen situation in baseball, though, so don't bank on it lasting too long.
Update: STL
Tony LaRussa has confirmed that he won't be using Jason Motte for ninth-inning duty for the next little while. Ryan Franklin and/or Kyle McClellan look like the fallback plans, with Chris Perez seemingly relegated to afterthought.
Update: STL
After disappointing in his second straight save opportunity, Cardinal baby-closer Jason Motte was replaced with... Kyle McClellan, who promptly locked down the game for his second save. With McLellan joining Ryan Franklin as pitchers putting pressure on Motte, his margin of error has become very, very slim.
Update: TOR
Protecting a four run lead, Toronto reliever Scott Downs retired the side with three strikeouts in the ninth inning today. With BJ Ryan still scuffling, Downs is looking like a more and more attractive closing option every day.
Update: DET
Rookie Ryan Perry threw a perfect inning in relief today, delivering a popup, a strikeout, and a weak grounder. If you're a fantasy player and haven't put in a claim on Perry yet, you're not paying attention: the rookie is already being entrusted with 8th inning work, and with only Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney to compete with, he could be closing in Detroit before the first half is over.
Update: ATL
When Mike Gonzalez started out poorly on two batters in tonight's opening game, Bobby Cox immediately started to warm up Rafael Soriano. Gonzalez settled down to finish the game after giving up a single run, but Cox's quick hand makes it look like we'll have a replay of last year's tug-of-war, with the hotter arm getting the job from week to week. Both are high injury risks, of course, so it might make sense for the Braves to keep both sharp, anyway.
Update: DET
Ryan Perry will open the season in the major league bullpen. This is more a testament to how depleted and shaky the Detroit bullpen is than his own ability, though the strikeout artist has looked very impressive in spring training. He's already looking like a better option at closer than any of the 'experienced' arms available.
Update: PIT
So much for being a coach's favorite: the Pirates DFA'd onetime sleeper Romulo Sanchez today. He'll probably get a shot elsewhere.
Update: DET
Brandon Lyon failed to make a strong case to win the Detroit closer's job, according to the Detroit Free Press, and so the role will fall once again to Fernando Rodney, who made a slightly less weak case. Detroit could be in for a rough season.
Update: OAK
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, reliever Joey Devine's elbow will be examined by noted surgeon (gulp!) Dr. James Andrews shortly. Even if he avoids surgery, he'll miss at least the first couple of weeks of the regular season, giving Brad Ziegler the chance to lock down closer duties long-term.
Update: TOR
As reported in the Toronto Sun, Jays' manager Cito Gaston has endorsed lefty Scott Downs as his backup plan if the curiously-impaired BJ Ryan 'isn't ready' to close in April. While righthander Jeremy Accardo (30 saves in 2007) seems a better choice to us, Downs was pretty lights-out last year against both RH and LH batters, so he could definitely get the job done.
Update: SEA
It's great when the Mariners' new management group listens to us. Brandon Morrow is moving back to the place he's always belonged: as a closer. While there isn't much time to prepare, the odds are good that he opens the season as Seattle's closer and stays there all year long. He should be a top-10 candidate, and could end the year in the top five.
Update: STL
Chris Perez, still recovering from early-spring arm problems, has been sent to start the season at AAA Memphis, where the Cardinals plan to use him as the everyday closer and hope he finds his consistent side. In the meantime, LaRussa pledges that 'three or four' different pitchers could get closing opportunities in the early season, but we have to assume that pack is led by fireballing Jason Motte for now.
Update: CHC
The seasoned hand of Kevin Gregg will get the first crack at closing duties in Chicago, according to Lou Pinella, while super-setup-man Carlos Marmol will continue to do what he does best: high-leverage eighth-inning work. We like this call, since the 8th is just as important as the ninth, if less glamorous, and these are the exact roles in which each pitcher has performed best in the past.
Update: TB
Despite lingering concerns about his readiness, veteran Troy Percival is lined up to begin the season as the Rays' closer. He's thrown scoreless innings in each of his three spring training appearances this week.
Update: FLA
Matt Lindstrom is reported to be close to returning to action, making his reclamation of the Florida closer's role likely before the season begins.
Update: STL
Jason Motte's fastball has snuck past Chris Perez on the Cardinal closer chart, thanks to an uneventful spring. Perez has been benched with a sore arm, but is expected back within a week or so.
Update: SEA
The Mariners have signed ex-Nats closer Chad Cordero to a minor league contract. Cordero, who seems to have lost 10mph from his fastball even a year after shoulder surgery, is a longshot to make the MLB bullpen, but as a cheap, all-upside gamble he's a smart one for Seattle.
Update: SEA
Brandon Morrow has been 'shut down indefinitely' with forearm issues, according to the Seattle Times. Any downtime now makes it unlikely he can be ready in time to join the opening day rotation, so his chances of starting back in the Seattle bullpen just increased.
Update: BOS
The Red Sox have announced that regardless of his progress, John Smoltz will not be 'allowed' to pitch until June at the soonest, according to the Boston Globe. Whether he returns in a starting or relief role at that point will be determined by Boston's greatest need at that time.
Update: TB
Rays' setup man Chad Bradford, one of baseball's most-effective relievers last season, will have arthroscopic surgery and miss the first half of 2009. Bradford posted a 1.42 ERA in 20 appearances for the Rays in 2009 after moving over from the Orioles at midseason.
Update: WAS
The Washington Nationals, who are apparently big fans of ScoutingBook.com, have announced what we told you back in November: Joel Hanrahan will enter 2009 as the team's nominal closer. (Next time at least give us a hat-tip, Nats!)
Update: ARZ
According to Tom Gordon's agent, the 41-year old pitcher is close to an agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He'd bring some experience, at least, to a bullpen that's been turned upside down this winter.
Update: CIN
The Reds re-signed veteran setup man David Weathers to a one-year contract today that includes a 2010 option. Weathers is one of many in the mix behind Francisco Cordero who could pick up some saves this year for Cincinnati.
Update: DET
As expected, the Tigers have signed Brandon Lyon (note: no puns here!) to a one-year, $4.85M contract. He's expected to compete for the closer's job, though he's not really a much better option than in-house Fernando Rodney.
Update: DET
The Tigers are showing interest in ex-Diamondback free agent Brandon Lyon, according to SI.com.
Update: STL
ESPN reports that rookie reliever Chris Perez did not receive surgery to remove bone spurs from the ankle that disabled him late last season, but has 'lost weight' as part of an attempt to reduce strain on the ankle. We're skeptical, and won't be surprised if he's shut down early this year to clean up the problem.
Update: BOS
Clearly intending to win late in 2009 games, the Red Sox keep adding veteran arms, most recently signing ex-Dodger closer Takashi Saito to a 1yr, incentive-laden contract.
Update: MLW
Trevor Hoffman has signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Brewers. He immediately assumes the closer role in Milwaukee.
Update: STL
ESPN and others are reporting that Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa 'may consider' using Chris Carpenter as an option to close once he finishes his recovery and rehab. Of course, LaRussa would probably 'consider' pretty much anyone who can throw a baseball sixty feet, since the team is going into 2009 with rookies Chris Perez and Jason Motte on top of their bullpen chart.
Update: LAA
Brian Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels signed a two-year, $17.5 million deal yesterday. Fuentes is the nominal closer, but the Angels showed last year that they're not afraid to use others in the role, either.
Update: LAD
The Dodgers non-tendered Takashi Saito yesterday, making the closer available as a free agent. While still potent, Saito will turn 39 in February.
Update: CLE
As expected, the Indians have signed Kerry Wood to a two-year deal. He's already been named the closer for 2009, presumably as a condition of his contract.
Update: CLE
The Cleveland Indians are a physical away from adding Kerry Wood as their new closer, according to AP reports.
Update: NYM
Wow. Not content to merely add Francisco Rodriguez, the NY Mets have now also added JJ Putz and Sean Green to their 2009 bullpen. The team acquired Putz, Green, and outfielder Jeremy Reed from Seattle by sending six players to Seattle: pitchers Aaron Heilman and Jason Vargas, outfielder Endy Chavez, first base prospect Mike Carp, outfield prospect Ezequiel Carrera, and minor-league pitcher Maikel Cleto.
Update: NYM
Francisco Rodriguez has agreed to a 3-year, $37M contract with the New York Mets. Three million simultaneous sighs of relief have knocked down power lines in Queens and Brooklyn.
Update: BOS
Wes Littleton, DFA'd by the Rangers last week, has been traded to the Red Sox for future considerations. Boston seems to be collecting strong righthanders for a revamped 2009 bullpen.
Update: TEX
Wes Littleton, a player many saw as a strong young closer candidate, has been designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers.
Update: BOS
The Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp in order to acquire setup man Ramon Ramirez from the Royals, according to MLB.com
Update: CHC
The Cubs have acquired closer Kevin Gregg from the Marlins for minor league pitcher Jose Ceda, according to MLB.com.
Update: MLW
Seth McClung is getting consideration as a possible in-house option for the Brewers, who are technically without a closer since Salomon Torres announced his retirement yesterday.
Update: NYY
After buying out his contract, the Yankees have signed lefty setup man Damaso Marte to a fresh 3-year deal, according to MLB.com. With Mariano Rivera taking extra rest while recovering from surgery, Marte could see extra work as a fill-in closer this coming season, too.
Update: COL
Closer Huston Street has been traded to the Colorado Rockies as part of a three player package for outfielder Matt Holiday, according to ESPN. This means that for the moment, Colorado has three established closers: Street, Manuel Corpas and the likely-departing Brian Fuentes. This will change soon, however: the Rockies seem determined to remake their team wholesale this year.
Update: ANA
Frankie Rodriguez officially filed for Free Agency today, which probably marks the end of his career in Anaheim. Of course, the Angels might just change their mind and match any other offer after letting K-Rod explore his options. If the super-closer does walk, Jose Arredondo's fans (both of them) will be pretty happy campers.
Update: CLE
Confirming our suspicions, Indians manager Eric Wedge anounced Tuesday that the team "wants to go out and get a closer" in the offseason, rather than use Jensen Lewis next year.
Update: STL
After Jason Motte picked up a surprise save last week for the Cards, Ryan Franklin has notched the last two. The team is trying to reduce pressure on rookie Chris Perez, who they'd still like to see seize the job for good despite a pair of recent bad outings.
Update: DET
40-year Tigers closer Todd Jones is retiring. In his own words: "If you're a Tigers fan, I'll never stress you out again. If you're not a Tigers fan, you'll never have me as your ace in the hole, convinced I'll blow a lead against your team." The Tigers were already expected to look for a veteran closer option in the offseason, even though Joel Zumaya will probably be a better choice than 95% of available options, so this doesn't change much.
Update: DET
Fernando Rodney blew a save Tuesday by giving up three runs without recording an out. It's his second blown save in a row and his sixth in sixteen chances. He's not pitching well, but with Jeff Farnsworth the only other real option, he'll probably keep getting chances. The Tigers are praying to get Joel Zumaya back at full power in spring. If they have doubts, expect them to go looking for a big, expensive closer via free agency or trade in the off-season.
Update: CLE
The Indians are gaining confidence in experimental closer Jensen Lewis. While Rafael Perez remains the better pitcher, Cleveland prefers to save him for the more difficult, high-leverage situations. It's likely the Indians will look for a proven closer in the offseason, but if they come up short, some combination of Perez and Lewis looks capable.
Update: ARZ
Chad Qualls is replacing the hard-hit Brandon Lyon as the Arizona closer effective immediately, according to The Sporting News.
Update: FLA
Kevin Gregg has returned to regular duty in Florida, but expect the Marlins to keep giving opportunities to Matt Lindstrom, at least for the next few days, as they evaluate their 2009 options. If they get comfortable with Lindstrom in the role, the much more expensive Gregg is probably on his way out of Miami.
Update: NYM
Mets closer Billy Wagner will have season ending surgery to repair his throwing elbow. This likely ends Wagner's career, at least as a Met. He won't be ready to return until late 2009, by which time the Mets will have certainly acquired a serious replacement.
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