Best Relief Prospects

[NYMetsGM]

Who are some guys in the minor leagues that are cant miss relief guys as a closer or setup man

[AT]

Jose Capellan, RP, MIL, 1/13/1981, AAA Richmond/ML Brewers

“What's not to like about a pitcher who can hit 100 mph on the radar gun and has received glowing praise from Braves manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Leo Mazzone? After an impressive spring training, Capellan rocketed all the way from Single-A through three levels of the minors to a late-season call-up with the Braves, posting 94 K in 91.3 IP along the way. Despite struggling in a brief trial in the majors, he's someone to grab in keeper leagues and will get a shot as a starter for Milwaukee following the trade for closer Danny Kolb.”

7/6 “Capellan has not allowed a run in 14 innings since being moved to the bullpen and is 4-for-4 in save opportunities. Capellan's velocity was also up around 97-99 on a few of his recent outings. The Brewers may have found a role for him, but don't be surprised if they try him in the starting rotation at least one more time before a permanent switch to the bullpen.”

Craig Hansen, RP, BOS, 11/15/1983
- 2005 1st Round Draft Pick. Major League Ready.
- Scott Boras as Agent. Will be closer of the future.
- College stud closer at St. John’s

Joey Devine, CL, ATL, 9/19/1983, A Myrtle Beach

- “Devine, the 27th overall selection in the 2005 draft, signed a $1.3 million bonus deal with Atlanta in June of 2005.”

- 7/7 He has a 6 Inning Hitless and Scoreless streak in tact.

- 7/2 “There is some talk that Atlanta's first-round pick in 2005 could be called up late in the season with the Braves with the recent trend of college closers making it quickly to the majors. Even if that doesn't happen, he could rise quickly in the system and get a shot at the majors in 2006 if he continues to pitch well.”

Travis Bowyer, RP, MIN, 8/31/1981, AAA Rochester

- “Bowyer finished 2004 a combined 9-3 with a 97/55 K/BB ratio in 91 innings pitched between Single-A and Double-A. He'll likely return to Double-A to start 2005. He's seen as a second tier pitching prospect in the Twins system but another strong year could make him a factor in the majors in 2006.”

- In AAA Rochester in 2005 he has 64 K’s to 24 BB’s in 47 IP with a 1.15 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 35 Relief Appearances.

Also, don't forget J. Brandt Cox (I think that's his name)
He is in the Yankee system after being drafted in Round 2 in the 2005 draft. He closed for Texas in the CWS and led the nation in Saves I believe. Righty 3 Quarters Delivery. Throws mid 90's. I'm sure you could find more on him if you wanted to do the research.

[davidmarver]

From the other thread...

If you're looking for a closer in a dynasty league, grab Brad Baker (originally from the Red Sox, but was acquired in the Alan Embree deal). He's been phenomenal in the minor leagues and Hoffman probably won't be around past next season. Just a fantasy heads-up even though he may not make too many prospect lists .

Some statistical information on him last season:
In AA Mobile, in 55 games, he had a 1.57 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 10.67 K/9. In AAA Portland, in 8 games, he had an 0.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 15.83 K/9. Combined, in 2004, he had 35 saves, ranking fourth in all of minor league baseball.

This season in AAA he has 25 saves and 44 K's in 41 innings, but his ERA and WHIP are running higher than expected. Those should come down, however, and he is the heir apparent to Hoffman .