"handcuffing" closers...

[WittyC]

I haven't ever seen this discussed, though I'm sure it has been, but does anyone ever "handcuff" their closers the way you might a running back in fantasy football?

I just finished up a draft, got screwed on the second closer run and ended up with Chad Cordero. So in the second-to-last round I made sure to grab Luis Ayala, by the logic that if Cordero gets hurt or struggles I'll have Ayala there to plug in right away and not miss a beat on saves.

It's an H2H daily-update Yahoo! public, so some decent set-up guys necessary to fill in, anyways.

What's the general school of thought on this strategy? Good idea or bad idea?

[Ender]

Its a good idea if the closers backup is a very strong pitcher who gets a lot of K's. Lidge last year was a perfect example. Even if he had never gotten the job he would have helped your team.

Not sure I can say that Ayala is worth it. It of course all depends on how your league works. For my league setup I want extra starters on my bench so I can maximize 2 start weeks since we do not have a max inning and do have a transaction limit.

[FF Newb but Lovin it]

I positioned myself to get Percival, when I had K-Rod last year. The only way I will handcuff is a situation like that. Were one good closer who is injured every year, has a stud like K-Rod behind him....I haven't even started my closer research yet so I couldn't tell you if I felt there was anyone who fit the bill this year. K-Rod helped in three categories while allowing me to upgrade my weak Closer corp.

Like I said, I don't think it is something I plan on doing consistently.

[kage812004]

if u r going to do that i would grab someone who can help u even if he doesnt close, i grabbed otsuka and rincon in my most recsent draft

[Shamsky69]

not a bad idea, though I agree with whoever it was that questioned Ayala's worth....

on a side note, I like Chad Cordero a lot this year. People forget how strong he was at times last year, particularly in August/September. He can be pretty nasty.

[Free Bagel]

I agree that the only way I'd handcuff a closer is if it's someone who's job isn't secure and he's got someone good behind him. The Marlins situation this year would probably be worth it.

[jbones733]

closers are such a crapshoot these days, last year, there was only a handful w even 30 saves up & down, trades, injuries, ineffectiveness, closers change alot

Lidge/Dotel last year

Percival/Krod thos are the ones you got to handcuff

i gotta look to see who i would handcuff this year