Fantasy Baseball Cafe Forums

by **themanuwm** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:40 am

i have no idea if this has been covered before. But do you guys believe as soon as next year he could become the tigers closer? And whether or not he is or not, is he worthy of selection in fantasy leagues, especially keeper leagues? he stuff just seems too good to be kept in as a middle relief.

by **Havok1517** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:52 am

He'll either be in the rotation (doubtful) or the closer in the near future. I seriously doubt that he'll be the closer next year with what Jones is getting paid unless Jones is traded, hurt, retires, or is ineffective. I do think Zumaya would bypass Rodney if Jones is somehow unseated next year. I really don't see the need of Zumaya starting with all of the young starting pitching talent has on the horizon (Ledezma, Maroth, Miller, Sanchez, Minor, Tata, etc.) but it has been talked about. To me, Zumaya arm motion and velocity could spell injury as a starter (ala Liriano except maybe more so). I think Zumaya is in the same situation that KRod found himself in being behind Percival with the Angels a few years ago. If Jones stays and is effective then I predict Zumaya will be the closer in 2008 but probably one of the best, if not the best, 2007 MR in the game in terms of fantasy and reality if he stays healthy. He's more valuable than Scott Shields right now in my book.

by **mikekim2121** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:40 am

Since Todd Jones is still locked up for next year, I'd say Zumaya probably isn't going to close next year barring a big blow up by Jones. IMO, I don't think he had THAT bad of a season even though most people don't seem to agree with that.

by **raiders_umpire** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:52 am

Zumaya should be the 8th inning man next year with a great chance at closing in 2008. Jones is signed through next year, and since he done decent this year, and Leyland does like the veterans, Zumaya will have to wait one more year before getting the chance to be the stopper. An injury to Jones though could very well push Zumaya to closer next season though.

by **Geek** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:06 am

We'll see if he has the mentality for it. Brad Lidge didn't.

by **Yoda** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:15 am

I think there is a pretty good chance he winds up as the closer. Jones has been dependable for the most part but he is far from perfect and will be 39 next year. A few blown saves will surely open up the door for Zumaya.

by **beatdrum** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:22 am

themanuwm wrote:i have no idea if this has been covered before. But do you guys believe as soon as next year he could become the tigers closer? And whether or not he is or not, is he worthy of selection in fantasy leagues, especially keeper leagues? he stuff just seems too good to be kept in as a middle relief.

I think good middle relief is just as important as a good closer. Maybe not in the fantasy world, but in real life, ;-D