(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Last week we checked out the American League closers (click here to view), so this week we turn to the National League (all stats given are through Monday):
Arizona Diamondbacks - Chad Qualls - He gave up runs in three out of five outings from June 7-18, which certainly should bring question to his ability to hold down the job. Tony Pena, who would have likely been his replacement, has allowed four runs in his last two innings, so scratch that.
Qualls has blown three saves, and while he’s worth using while he holds the job, he’s a low-end option right now.
Atlanta Braves - Mike Gonzalez/Rafael Soriano - This one continues to just bounce back and forth, depending on the match-ups. It appears like Bobby Cox may never settle on one clear-cut No. 1 closer, so both will hold value in fantasy formats, but more of a last-resort option.
If either one were to ever emerge as the guy in Atlanta, the other would be a solid No. 2 option.
Chicago Cubs - Kevin Gregg - For all those expecting him to lose his job at any moment, he has actually settled in of late. He hasn’t allowed an earned run since June 2, spanning nine outings, reducing his ERA to a respectable 3.66.
His prime replacement, Carlos Marmol, continues to walk batters at an alarming rate, now carrying a BB/9 of 9.09. There’s just no way that Lou Pinella puts that type of control problem into the ninth inning. Never going to happen.
Gregg’s job is definitely safe for now, barring a complete breakdown.
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