2012 CLOSERS THREAD (1ST HALF)

[daullaz]

A new Bottom of the 9th is live on the front page, detailing the guys I think may be in trouble, as well as the names I'd speculate on for saves.

[bigh0rt]

Quote from Sciossia regard Down's as the closer.

"I fully expect it to be temporary," Scioscia said. "The bottom line is we need arms in the back end of our 'pen holding leads. It has to be more than Scott Downs. Whether Jordan goes back to being closer -- which his stuff plays very well in the closer's role -- or if (Scott) Downs just takes off and runs with it and becomes a closer and somebody like (Jordan) Walden becomes a setup, we need depth at the back end of our bullpen."

The latter scenario seems most likely, currently. Maybe I'm biased as a guy who was able to snag Downs, but right now he's giving Scioscia no reason to not trot him out there in the 9th.

[Skin Blues]

I also think Downs should keep the job. He's been solid against both righties and lefties for the past 5 seasons and still shows the same skills. Makes sense for him to be the bullpen ace in tight situations. And I'm also biased because I grabbed him in two leagues. Spent a fair amount of FAAB in one league, but it's mixed so there's not much action around the trade deadline to save up for. The fear here is a trade, I think. A team with playoff aspirations can't be trusting a guy like Jordan Walden at this point in his career.

[Crippler]

Just picked up Marmol with the intention of grabbing his backup as well, if/when he loses the job. Who is the best bet currently? Wood is on the DL and the other options don't seem too enticing...any insight?

[footballisbetter.com]

Just picked up Marmol with the intention of grabbing his backup as well, if/when he loses the job. Who is the best bet currently? Wood is on the DL and the other options don't seem too enticing...any insight?

I think that is the only reason why marmol is safe. There are no logical replacements in their pen. Even before Wood when on the DL, he was getting hit hard.

[West]

If you are speculating James Russell has been the most effective pitcher in that bullpen. Followed by Dolis. If Wood comes back and is remotely decent then he will be next in line. In other words, a shizz-show in Chicago.

[Padsin05]

Fuentes in in the 9th, Cook still pitched 1.1 ip with 3k's in 7/8th. But looks like Fuentes is next in line, not Cook

[footballisbetter.com]

Fuentes in in the 9th, Cook still pitched 1.1 ip with 3k's in 7/8th. But looks like Fuentes is next in line, not Cook

He allowed 2 hits and 1 ER, but still got the save. Fuentes can't be the answer in Oakland.

[norton17]

Fuentes in in the 9th, Cook still pitched 1.1 ip with 3k's in 7/8th. But looks like Fuentes is next in line, not Cook

He allowed 2 hits and 1 ER, but still got the save. Fuentes can't be the answer in Oakland.

I am only going off MLB.com but he got the save, gave up a run on an IF single and a double.
No manager holds an IF single against a pitcher, if he does he's stupid!

[Padsin05]

Fuentes in in the 9th, Cook still pitched 1.1 ip with 3k's in 7/8th. But looks like Fuentes is next in line, not Cook

He allowed 2 hits and 1 ER, but still got the save. Fuentes can't be the answer in Oakland.

I am only going off MLB.com but he got the save, gave up a run on an IF single and a double.
No manager holds an IF single against a pitcher, if he does he's stupid!

I think Cook makes the great speculative hold, OAK could be trying to showcase Fuentes and Balfour, and once they are out of it, try to move both of them