2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[18 and 1]

espn is saying its joe nelson

From Rotoworld -

Joe Nelson pitched a perfect ninth inning Saturday to earn his second save of the season.

Troy Percival was given the night off after he was used in a high-scoring affair Friday night. Nelson certainly wouldn't be the Rays' first option if something happened to Percival, but he's been fantastic in two save opportunities this season and deserves a little credit.



I guess it could be Nelson, but Wheeler is the logical choice. Hell, Nelson's numbers aren't any good this year, and Wheeler did well in the role last year, and he hasn't allowed a run in 6 straight games.

[High and Inside]

there are a million possibilities. there is no real point in continuing this speculation until we see what happens in a game. maybe we'll see one of them come in early in a game down a run or two. we can then speculate whether that means he isn't the guy. maybe we'll see one actually get a save. we can then speculate whether he is going to be the one and only closer. maybe we'll see someone get a save opp and blow it. or see someone be really lights out in the 8th before someone blows it.

right now there are too many guys with legit chances at saves to really know.

Thanks for the insight...

Ko kidding...by that time the next short term closer for the Rays will be on his buddies roster

[High and Inside]

espn is saying its joe nelson

From Rotoworld -

Joe Nelson pitched a perfect ninth inning Saturday to earn his second save of the season.

Troy Percival was given the night off after he was used in a high-scoring affair Friday night. Nelson certainly wouldn't be the Rays' first option if something happened to Percival, but he's been fantastic in two save opportunities this season and deserves a little credit.



I guess it could be Nelson, but Wheeler is the logical choice. Hell, Nelson's numbers aren't any good this year, and Wheeler did well in the role last year, and he hasn't allowed a run in 5 straight games.

I just got this from Rotoworld

Per Rotoworld...

Rays placed RHP Troy Percival on the 15-day disabled list.

Percival is suffering from right shoulder tendinitis. No word yet on who will get to close in his absence, though Jason Isringhausen and Dan Wheeler would seem to be the primary candidates.

[thatguy27]

With Bailey struggling in his past couple of outings, has he hurt his chances at this point of taking the closer job away from, presumably, Zeigler?

[Crippler]

there are a million possibilities. there is no real point in continuing this speculation until we see what happens in a game. maybe we'll see one of them come in early in a game down a run or two. we can then speculate whether that means he isn't the guy. maybe we'll see one actually get a save. we can then speculate whether he is going to be the one and only closer. maybe we'll see someone get a save opp and blow it. or see someone be really lights out in the 8th before someone blows it.

right now there are too many guys with legit chances at saves to really know.

Thanks for the insight...

Agreed

If you dont have anything to add, whats the point of posting. I'm looking for as many opinions as possible, as my leagues are competitive and I cant just sit around and wait for it to unfold to grab the closer afterwards.

[High and Inside]

FWIW...per Rotoworld

Tampa Bay Rays
Player 2009 Stats Roles
Name SV BS HLD IP ERA WHIP K Current Future Role
Troy Percival (R) (D.L.) 6 0 0 11.1 6.35 1.68 7 Closer Closer in the Short-Term
Dan Wheeler (R) 0 2 5 15.0 5.40 1.33 12 Next Up Next in Line
Grant Balfour (R) 1 0 4 19.1 5.12 1.66 18 Next Up Next in Line
J.P. Howell (L) 1 2 3 20.1 2.21 1.13 22 Setup Man Future Closer
Brian Shouse (L) 0 0 6 14.1 3.77 1.19 9 Setup Man Setup Man
Joe Nelson (R) 2 0 3 17.2 5.60 1.87 18 Setup Man Setup Man
Jason Isringhausen (R) 0 0 0 2.0 0.00 1.00 1 Setup Man Setup Man
Lance Cormier (R) 1 0 1 30.0 2.10 1.07 12 Long Man Long Man
Chad Bradford (R) (D.L.) 0 0 0 0.0 0.00 0.00 0 Injured Setup Man

Current Team Overview
5/22/2009 1:41:00 PM: Troy Percival is fine as an AL-only closer, but he shouldn't be used in mixed formats unless you have no other options. He is not pushed by the team and will not get all the save opportunities. In fact, the Rays have four other relievers who have picked up at least one save this year. Percival comes affixed with huge durability concerns, which is why Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell and Joe Nelson could become fantasy relevant later this season.

[clarkw267]

I grabbed Nelson and am hoping I'm right. I won't have time to add someone else tonight.

[auclairkeithbc]

there are a million possibilities. there is no real point in continuing this speculation until we see what happens in a game. maybe we'll see one of them come in early in a game down a run or two. we can then speculate whether that means he isn't the guy. maybe we'll see one actually get a save. we can then speculate whether he is going to be the one and only closer. maybe we'll see someone get a save opp and blow it. or see someone be really lights out in the 8th before someone blows it.

right now there are too many guys with legit chances at saves to really know.

Thanks for the insight...

Agreed

If you dont have anything to add, whats the point of posting. I'm looking for as many opinions as possible, as my leagues are competitive and I cant just sit around and wait for it to unfold to grab the closer afterwards.

then add balfour, wheeler, howell, izzy, and nelson. problem solved!!!

[auclairkeithbc]

does anyone know who the closer will be for the nationals in 2011? i am in a dynasty league.

[18 and 1]

does anyone know who the closer will be for the nationals in 2011? i am in a dynasty league.

It's the Nationals, so that makes it a moot point