Closer reports: AL West | AL EAST| AL Central | NL East
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks acquired Addison Reed over the offseason from the White Sox in exchange for third base prospect Matt Davidson. Reed, who posted 40 saves with a 3.79 ERA in Chicago last season, will hold onto the closer role unless he implodes. But all closers will lose their job if they implode. So why do so many analysts think J.J. Putz will claim the job? Well, Putz is a proven veteran and Reed is only 25... but other than that, it doesn’t make sense. Reed is the better option and a nice target for fantasy purposes.
Closer: Addison Reed
Status: Steadier than people think
Sleeper: J.J. Putz
Colorado Rockies
LaTroy Hawkins is the “closer” of the Rockies, but that is only because Rex Brothers is left handed. Brothers is the superior pitcher, and is likely the closer-of-the-future in Colorado, but it appears Hawkins will open the season in the ninth-inning role.
Closer: LaTroy Hawkins
Status: Keeping the seat warm
Sleeper: Rex Brothers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Kenley Jansen struck out 111 batters over 76.2 innings last season while posting a 1.88 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. He’s downright filthy and should be considered an elite fantasy closer. Draft Jansen with confidence in all formats.
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Status: Rock solid
Sleeper: Brian Wilson
San Diego Padres
The often-injured Huston Street is a serviceable closer when he’s healthy. Street saved 33 games with a 2.70 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 2013. However, Street is already nursing a groin injury and the addition of veteran reliever Joaquin Benoit gives the Padres a serviceable fallback option if (when) Street lands on the DL.
Closer: Huston Street
Status: Shaky
Sleeper: Joaquin Benoit
San Francisco Giants
Sergio Romo saved 38 games in 2013, but he only picked up 58 Ks over 60.1 innings. Romo gets the job done with command, as opposed to strikeouts. The 31-year-old righty only walked 12 batters last season and finished with a very respectable 2.54 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. However, Romo is having a horrible Spring Training and it’s starting to scare me away for fantasy purposes. In six appearances this spring, Romo has allowed 12 runs and sports a 21.21 ERA and a 3.21 WHIP. Usually Spring Training stats aren’t important, but this is clearly a warning sign.
Closer: Sergio Romo
Status: Scary to draft
Sleeper: Santiago Casilla
Questions? Hit me on Twitter @briansflood
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