2011 CLOSERS THREAD

[dAnzac]

OAKLAND ATHLETICS – A. Bailey RHP , R. Harden RHP, J. Devine RHP, F. De Los Santos RHP

This is how I would have the pecking order right now:

1. Bailey, 2. Wuertz, 3. Balfour

The plan (as of today) is for Harden to be stretched out as a starter, so he can't really be 2nd in line to close.
Devine has to prove his health before he gets any trust from management, I'd even put Ziegler over him at the moment.

[Havok1517]

OAKLAND ATHLETICS – A. Bailey RHP , R. Harden RHP, J. Devine RHP, F. De Los Santos RHP

This is how I would have the pecking order right now:

1. Bailey, 2. Wuertz, 3. Balfour

The plan (as of today) is for Harden to be stretched out as a starter, so he can't really be 2nd in line to close.
Devine has to prove his health before he gets any trust from management, I'd even put Ziegler over him at the moment.

The dust hasn't settled yet...

The A's are "close to finalizing deal" with free agent Brian Fuentes, MLB Fan House's Steve Phillips reports.

Athletics assistant general manager David Forst said Rich Harden will be stretched out to start during spring training, but that he might still pitch in relief.

[dAnzac]

The A's are "close to finalizing deal" with free agent Brian Fuentes, MLB Fan House's Steve Phillips reports.

Oh no

DO NOT WANT

[BitterDodgerFan]

what's up with oakland going after the not-so-cheap relievers?
first balfour and now this? don't they need some bats?

[Havok1517]

what's up with oakland going after the not-so-cheap relievers?
first balfour and now this? don't they need some bats?

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.ph ... -pitchers/

[AquaMan2342]

what's up with oakland going after the not-so-cheap relievers?
first balfour and now this? don't they need some bats?

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.ph ... -pitchers/

Read the first comment in your article and I think you'll find your answer. He's going to flip them for prospects at the deadline.

[ILoveBush]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS – J. Soria RHP , J. Jeffress RHP, R. Tejada RHP, C. Rosa RHP

Royals should be tweaked. Carlos Rosa is no longer in organization. I'd list next in line as Tejeda and maybe Blake Wood. You could list either Jeffress, Tim Collins, or Aaron Crow as closer of future.

[BitterDodgerFan]

for toronto, isn't rauch the better option over dotel?

[Havok1517]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS – J. Soria RHP , J. Jeffress RHP, R. Tejada RHP, C. Rosa RHP

Royals should be tweaked. Carlos Rosa is no longer in organization. I'd list next in line as Tejeda and maybe Blake Wood. You could list either Jeffress, Tim Collins, or Aaron Crow as closer of future.

I agree. It needed some teaking. I wouldn't be surprised if Jeffress is the #2 mid-season this year, he's that talented. Also, I put Coleman as the COTF due to Jeffress likely to have a high work load at the beginning of the season. I personally think prospect Mike Montgomery could be forced to relief if he continues to have elbow problems.

[Havok1517]

for toronto, isn't rauch the better option over dotel?

Last time I heard, Dotel will get the ball in the 9th. Of course, that may change in ST. Stay tuned.