Brandon League: Will Red Sox, Giants Make a Run at Mariners' Closer?

Prior to the 2012 season, Seattle Mariners closer Brandon League was being shopped and many teams took interest. In January 2012, League avoided arbitration by signing a $5 million deal, seemingly ending all trade talks. 

With big-name closers in San Francisco's Brian Wilson and Boston's Andrew Bailey out for long periods of time due to injury, League could be well on his way to a contending team come the end of July if not sooner.

Will the Giants or Red Sox try to acquire League from the Mariners? Possibly; here's a look at their current situations.

San Francisco Giants

Santiago Casilla has taken over the closer role for the Giants, and although he hasn't had much experience in that role (12 saves in 18 opportunities prior to 2012), his ERAs of 1.95 and 1.74 from 2010 and 2011, respectively, are good indications that he'll find success in the ninth inning. 

If Casilla struggles and the Giants are a closer away from making the playoffs later on, acquiring League from a presumably losing Seattle squad would be the right fit and it wouldn't cost them more than a couple of prospects.

Boston Red Sox

When newly acquired closer Andrew Bailey went down before the 2012 season got underway, the Red Sox were dealt a huge blow, considering they lost Jonathan Papelbon to free agency.

Alfredo Aceves has been filling in ever since, but has already blown two of four save opportunities and has allowed eight runs and four walks over three innings of work.

Early on it appears Aceves won't be a viable replacement at closer, and they could be in the market for such a player sooner rather than later.

Seattle's asking price would likely be higher until we get closer to the trade deadline, but Boston might be in a position where they need the closer spot filled ASAP and have the necessary pieces to move.