(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)
Last week we checked out the National League closers (click here to view), so this week we turn to the American League (all stats given are through Monday):
Baltimore Orioles - George Sherrill - Trade rumors aside, he has been a solid option in all formats. The problem is that the Orioles have little chance of doing anything in 2009, so they may consider moving their closer to a team looking for help in the bullpen. Jim Johnson or Danys Baez would likely be among the potential replacements, so keep an eye on this situation just in case.
Boston Red Sox - Jonathan Papelbon - Exactly what needs to be said here? Like him or not, he’s one of the elite closers in baseball and there’s no chance of that changing. Boston has one of the deepest bullpens around, but don’t look for many save chances for his understudies.
Chicago White Sox - Bobby Jenks - He’s been solid, picking up four saves and one win over his previous five outings. The ERA (3.68) and WHIP (1.23) are solid and his job is absolutely 100% safe at this point, having collected 115 saves since 2006, his first season as the full-time closer.
Cleveland Indians - Kerry Wood - He has been decent in his first season in Cleveland, having blown two of his ten chances. The lack of opportunities hurts, but his job is safe, as long as he’s healthy. That alone makes him a solid No. 2 option in mixed formats, considering the state of numerous other bullpens around the league.
Detroit Tigers - Fernando Rodney -
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