Desperate for Saves in Fantasy Baseball: Monitor These at the Deadline
The trade deadline is quickly approaching, meaning several teams’ closers are being dangled out there. If you are in desperate need of saves, here are a few situations that you should be monitoring:
Pittsburgh Pirates
The rumors are circulating that Octavio Dotel is available via trade. Most people have assumed that Evan Meek, a 2010 All-Star, would take over closer duties should Dotel be dealt. Well, that no longer may be the case. Joel Hanrahan has been lights out and could be viewed as a better fit in the closers role, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
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Overall, Hanrahan has posted a 3.67 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, striking out 58, in 41.2 innings. Just consider that, in April, he posted a 9.95 ERA over 6.1 innings and you know how good he’s been pitching. He also has some experience closing games, with 14 saves over the past two seasons, which could also play a role.
The strikeout ability and the potential for saves make Hanrahan worth taking a flier on in all formats.
Kansas City Royals
Joakim Soria’s name has been floated out there, but I just don’t see it happening. Granted, a top closer on a bad team is a luxury, but Soria is signed through 2011 with options through 2014 (and reasonable ones at that). Don’t bother considering any potential replacements.
Toronto Blue Jays
It's all hands on deck in Toronto, as there have been rumors of Kevin Gregg, Jason Frasor and Scott Downs all being available. Downs is a lefty, so if only Gregg is moved, it’s likely that Frasor takes over the role.
Frasor hasn’t been great this season, with a 4.26 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, but he has thrown 5.2 consecutive scoreless innings. Downs, meanwhile, has been great, with a 2.45 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, last allowing a run on June 6. Clearly, Downs has more value, but it’s likely he’s seen as more valuable as a lefty specialist.
In fact, chances are that Downs is dealt, as he should be the guy to bring the greatest return. If you are going to stash a Blue Jays reliever, I’d go with Frasor.
Seattle Mariners
David Aardsma has a 4.88 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, but he could still be viewed as a potential upgrade to a contender’s bullpen. That would leave Brandon League as the likely short-term replacement. League has actually been the better pitcher in 2010, sporting a 3.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He’s certainly worth stashing if you are desperate for saves.
Washington Nationals
Matt Capps has had a renaissance campaign, with a 2.93 ERA and 1.40 WHIP en route to 24 saves. That has generated interest and, since the Nationals are likely a year or two away from competing, they would be silly not to field offers.
Tyler Clippard has been tremendous in a set-up role, posting a 3.34 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. He won eight games quickly, but has had some bumps of late. In his last six outings, he’s allowed earned runs in three of them. Still, he’s likely the short-term solution should Capps be moved.
The long-term closer appears to be 2009 first round pick Drew Storen, though he has had his own problems of late. He’s allowed runs in four of his last six outings, though he still has a 2.83 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. While he may not get the first crack at closing duties, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him there in September, at the latest. If you are desperate for saves an have the roster spot, he’s certainly worth stashing.
What are your thoughts on these situations? Who do you think will be traded? Who would you take a flier on?
Make sure to check out our extremely early 2011 rankings:
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