Damaso Marte

[Rohan]

Koch was horrible last year. His velocity isn't up as of yet this year.
Where do you see Marte going? I read Koch will be the closer going into this season. Marte had stellar numbers last year, and could have a Gagne performance if/ when he gets the job.

Any predictions? Anything else I haven't read about? I picked him up in the 17th round as my #2 closer, so I'm hoping he'll get the job soon.

[KolbSaves]

See the Takatsu thread for a similar discussion. Me personally I don't expect him to close for long if he does. First of all he's a lefty and second of all I think the Sox like him in relief and not closing.

[Stone Cold]

So far in spring training, Koch has pitched 3 scoreless innings. He has been clocked as high as 94mph, but some of his pitches were up in the zone.

[Rohan]

True he is a lefty so are Guardado and Wagner. Does that mean Takatsu will go in before Marte?

[KolbSaves]

I believe so. Word on the street is that Takatsu is pitching well in practice.

[Cornbread Maxwell]

Rohan - here is the situation with Marte:

He is the CWS best bullpen P, and management wants to utilize him wherever they think he will be the most usefull in every game. They do not want to pidgeone-hole him into being their 9th inning closer. In most games there will be a situation where a dominate LHP will be the best option out of the bullpen and Marte fills that need - whether it is the 7th, 8th or 9th inning.
Fantasy wise, Marte is very valuable, but not because of his saves. He will be a top 15 P when it comes to helping your overall ERA, and his WHIP will be a big help too. I see 5-10 saves and a handful of wins to go along with those sick %s.
Takatsu is the closer in waiting, but Koch has performed admirably this spring. Unless Koch makes a strong comeback and puts the closer role on lockdown, I see Koch and Takatsu splitting saves while Marte grabs a few here and there. Unless a dominate closer emerges between Koch and Takatsu, I wouldnt draft either before the very last rds. Marte, on the other hand, is a definate mid to late rd pick in standard leagues.