2011 CLOSERS THREAD

[Neato Torpedo]

^Bonerrific, if you will.

[MasterX1918]

as a Sox fan I don't understand why Alex Wilson is listed as a future closer, Jason Rice or Anthony Ranuado seem more suited.

[neoforce]

First, as always, thanks much to Havok. Best thread anywhere!!

I'm wondering how K-Rod's crazy option might impact his playing time.

His option is $17.5 M with a $3.5 M buy out. But, it only kicks in if he finishes 55 games in 2012. (That's finishing the game, not saves) The Mets can't hold him out of games because of the contract. But if he has a shaky stretch, nothing stops them from announcing that because of effectiveness they are going to replace him for a while.

Even for "just" the $3.5M buy out, they could find ways to limit his appearances.

Maybe he should be listed as Safe instead of Solid ?

[RedSoxNation04]

NL EAST


Atlanta Braves - With the retirement of Billy Wagner, the Braves are left without a legitimate veteran closer. This leads the Braves to either lean on the talented youngster Craig Krimbel, make a trade for a closer, or attempt to sign a free agent capable of closing. Some feel that Jonny Venters deserves to have the opportunity though with Venters being a lefty and Krimbel having a little more talent the pick here is likely Krimbel unless the Braves sign someone like Rafael Soriano. Starting prospect Arodys Vizcaino has a high ceiling but injuries could force him to the bullpen in the future.

Any word on whether or not Wagner has handed in the retirement paperwork yet?

[Havok1517]

NL EAST


Atlanta Braves - With the retirement of Billy Wagner, the Braves are left without a legitimate veteran closer. This leads the Braves to either lean on the talented youngster Craig Krimbel, make a trade for a closer, or attempt to sign a free agent capable of closing. Some feel that Jonny Venters deserves to have the opportunity though with Venters being a lefty and Krimbel having a little more talent the pick here is likely Krimbel unless the Braves sign someone like Rafael Soriano. Starting prospect Arodys Vizcaino has a high ceiling but injuries could force him to the bullpen in the future.

Any word on whether or not Wagner has handed in the retirement paperwork yet?

I believe I recently read that he hasn't yet but his agent said he will soon and that the Braves GM said its not a big deal right now. I think Wagner was on vacation and hasn't been able to sign the documents and turn them into the MLB. Take that for what it is worth.

[Neato Torpedo]

Wagner is retiring. 100% certain, for all intents and purposes. Sucks for fantasy, but you gotta appreciate a player going out at the top of his game.

[sooner711]

Boston's bullpen is getting crowded. Where does Wheeler fit in?

[chargerss24]

Wagner is retiring. 100% certain, for all intents and purposes. Sucks for fantasy, but you gotta appreciate a player going out at the top of his game.

I agree with you 100% about Wags retiring on the top of his game. However, I refuse to drop him in my keeper league until the ink on the paper work is dry.

[AquaMan2342]

OMG VALVERDE HAS THE

[Jekke]

I'm with neoforce. With the Mets going into a rebuilding period and looking to shed bankroll, I'd expect them to be looking for any legitimate excuse to sit him and let somebody else close for a while. If he fell far enough in the draft (round 16+,) I'd take a flyer, but I doubt he'll end up on any of my rosters this year.