The Closer Report » Tampa Bay Rays
Pitchers Who Could Be Closing By September. Part 2
Here is part 2 of my report on pitchers who could be closers by September. Every season closers come and go and it frustrates the heck out of fantasy managers. The list I compiled below are the leading candidates that likely won’t open the season as the closer for his perspective team, but could end the season the closer. These pitchers will get the job either from the current closer getting injured or the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addison Reed, Andrew Cashner, Boston Red Sox, Brett Myers, Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Danger Zone, Glen Perkins, Houston Astros, Joel Peralta, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Farnsworth, LA Dodgers, Mark Melancon, Matt Capps, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Thornton, Minnesota Twins, Sizzling Setup Reports, Tampa Bay Rays, Vinny Pestano, Wilton Lopez
Closers Wanted: MLB Teams On The Hunt
In July and even into August I expect to see several trades involving closers and setup men. Teams are always in need of good relief pitching and start stacking their bullpens for a playoff run. I will give you the list of teams that will be on the nut for back-end relievers who will either become closers or be acquired to set up their current closer. This is critical to pay attention too if it impacts your fantasy baseball … Read entire article »
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Depth Chart Updates, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers
5 Relievers Who Might Be Closing By Years End
Whether it’s because of the current closer being completely ineffective or just the random injury, here are five relievers who could step into the job in 2011. I recommend picking these guys up if you own the closers they currently pitch in front of. Note, I’m not picking these guys because I think the closers in front of them will lose their jobs necessarily. I’m just saying they have the right stuff. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals … Read entire article »
Filed under: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays
Against All Odds: Farnsworth Continues To Roll, 3rd Save
I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. Kyle Farnsworth not only beat out Jake and the Fatman Man Megee and Joel Peralta for the closer job to open the season, but he is actually 3/3 in save opprotunities. He been near purchase, posting a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in his first 5.1 innings of work. He also has five strikeouts, but even more impressive, no walks. That will be … Read entire article »
Filed under: Jake McGee, Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
MLB Spring Training: Fantasy Closer Battles
Here are some early returns for some tight closer battles during 2011 Spring Training. Craig Kimbrel Vs. Jonny Venters – So far, at least stat wise the job is going to Venters. He’s thrown four perfect innings, while striking out three. Kimbrel has also struckout three in 2.1 innings, but has a ERA at 15.43 on 4 ER thanks to a bad outing. In my opinion it’s Kimbrel’s job to lose, not Venters to win. Kevin … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Frank Francisco, Jake McGee, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jon Rauch, Jonathan Broxton, Jonny Venters, Kevin Gregg, Kyle Farnsworth, LA Dodgers, Matt Capps, Matt Thornton, Octavio Dotel, Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
Sneaky Closer Candidates for 2011
Hey, we all know most of the obvious choices at closer. However, every spring there are normally a few closers that surprise fantasy baseball managers by getting the job over the predicted candidate. For years I’ve been pointing these guys out to you and here are a few that will shake the world! Ok, maybe not that big, but certainly help your fantasy team by drafting a closer in the latest of rounds. After have … Read entire article »
Filed under: Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros, Jason Motte, Kyle Farnsworth, Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays
Do You Believe In Kyle Farnsworth?
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com A better question is, does Joe Maddon believe in Kyle Farnsworth? The way it is being played right now, Farnsworth was signed to replace Rafeal Soriano as the closer for the Rays. In his career that has spanned six teams, seven times, Farnsworth has never been an opening day starter. The most saves he has ever accrued in one season was 10 in 2005, his first stint with the Atlanta Braves. Since then he hasn’t closed … Read entire article »
Filed under: Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays Closer Still Up For Grabs
Who will close for the Rays in 2011? It seems as up in the air as it was once the season ended and the chances of Soriano returning were slim. The Rays have also lost Dan Wheeler The Rays have lost a ton of talent in the off-season, but they are not rebuilding in 2011, but reloading. Welcome in names like Hellickson, McGee, and Jennings. The once heralded starter Jake Mcgee is fully recovered from … Read entire article »
Filed under: Tampa Bay Rays
The Closer Report: April 23, 2010
CLOSER NEWS:N/ASAVES:Brian Wilson (3) Wilson finally recorded a save. It was his first save since April 6, and he went out there with a vengeance. Besides a simple single, Wilson struck out the side for his third save of the season. His ERA remains at 0.00. Jonathan Papelbon (4) – Paps had another tough outing. He did get the save, but in the process looked wild walking two batters and giving up a hit. To put a positive spin on the save, he did intentionally walk Wiggington and he struck out Lugo to end the game. That is how expereinced closers do it. Francisco Rodriguez (2) – Recorded his second save in as many days. He is still lacking his trademark sharpness that we haven’t sen in awhile. He needed 22 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arizona D-Backs, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, LAA Angels, New York Mets, SF Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays
2010 Closer Profile: Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com Team: Tampa Bay Rays Projections: 46-4-3.21-1.02-115 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K) Average Draft Position: 155th pick Recommended Draft Round: 8 Team Saves Projection: 60 Injury Risk/Stability: 8/8 Top 50 Rank: #4 Check out the entire draft kit by clicking here The Braves parted ways with Soriano in an off-season trade to the Rays and I think it was a huge mistake. For a few years now Soriano has been on the radar as a future stud closer and last year he took the next step towards that role. He recorded 27 saves and a 2.97 ERA, while striking out 102 in 75.2 innings. Soriano has one of the best K/9 rates among closers and he has been added to a team that will see plenty of save opportunities and has a manager that won’t be afraid to use … Read entire article »
Filed under: Tampa Bay Rays
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