Jeremy Affeldt...

[Purple Haze]

Will Jeremy Affeldt rebound in his second year as the closer? He has really good stuff,and if he could gain a little control, who knows... What are your thoughts on him, being a value closer pick?

Or would Ryan Dempster be a better risk?


Thanks for your valued opinions

[Absolutely Adequate]

I think Affeldt would be a better choice than Dempster, sure, but I don't think he'll be a good choice. Maybe 25 saves with an era in the high 3's. But he won't strike anyone out, he won't get any vulture wins, and he won't help you out very much unless you've got a lot of pitching spots.

[Havok1517]

I think it is in KC's best interest to insert Affeldt back in rotation. If he can stay healthy he could post impressive numbers, lots of K's. They have MacDougal who has done the job before, and has the makeup, just needs to find his control again. For some reason I don't see the Cubs staying still on Dempster and not making a move on a proven closer. It really is one of the key elements missing in Chitown.

[kimchi_chigae]

affeldt or dempster

both are not very good choices, but if i had to go with one it's gotta be affeldt. it's tough to use affeldt and safe is the same sentece, but he's safer than dempster. i don't think macdougal will be an issue.

[Sunspot]

There is also a rumor going around about the Cubs possibly working out a deal for Kim from the Red Sox. Kim was a stud closer not long ago.

[slomo007]

I think Affeldt would be a better choice than Dempster, sure, but I don't think he'll be a good choice. Maybe 25 saves with an era in the high 3's. But he won't strike anyone out, he won't get any vulture wins, and he won't help you out very much unless you've got a lot of pitching spots.

I like AA's projections here. Nothing spectacular, but I do expect him to stay healthy over most of the season and at least settle in to his role as closer.

[PhillyFan1]

Affeldt believe is the choice, his stuff is electric, he just plays on a crappy team.

[MightyIan]

if there were anybody else out there that is going to be closing, id go for them before both of these cats. i think demp will fail at closing, and affeldt may be good at it eventually, but he plays on arguably the worst team in the league. the only team's closer id would pick him over would be whoever emerges as colorados closer. not only is it the worst place to pitch, but its a whole lotta unproven and/or bad players lobbying for the position.

[j_d_mcnugent]

i would definitely go with affeldt. i think he is a better pitcher and the safer bet. dempster technically doesnt have the job yet, let alone much security supposing he did win the job.

affeldt will probably be a mediocre closer, but i think he has the potential to be decent.

[Purple Haze]

if there were anybody else out there that is going to be closing, id go for them before both of these cats. i think demp will fail at closing, and affeldt may be good at it eventually, but he plays on arguably the worst team in the league. the only team's closer id would pick him over would be whoever emerges as colorados closer. not only is it the worst place to pitch, but its a whole lotta unproven and/or bad players lobbying for the position.

Obviously if there was anyone else I would have grabbed him..Were talking about a filler for one of my 10 pitchers spots... in the 21st round.. Tsao is the only other option that has a chance at closing (Coors field No thank you!) besides, Dempster....The job IS Affeldt's for now at least...

Thanks for all your opinions...I ended up getting Affeldt, and like his chances to not stink it up, and get around 25 saves.. again..Thank you very much