Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

Monitoring unsettled bullpens each spring is a good way to identify late-round bargains in your fantasy draft. If you’re like me and can’t justify reaching for an “elite” closer in a mixed league, have a look at these shaky closers and potential replacements as scrap-heap gems. Listed below are a few situations in the American League that should be watched closely this spring.

Baltimore Orioles

Favorite: George Sherrill, known more as a lefty specialist during his career (.167 BA against lifetime), posted a 2.36 ERA while striking out more than a batter per inning with the Mariners in '07 prior to coming over in the Erik Bedard trade. If he truly figured out righties last season (a career-low .212 BA against), he could hold down this job for the entire season.

Keep an eye on: Jamie Walker, who saved seven games for the O’s last season, could be the first option to replace Sherrill if he struggles in the closer role. Be careful though: Walker also blew six opportunities in '07.

Darkhorse: James Hoey, who saved 16 games while posting a microscopic 0.79 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings between Double A and Triple A. Looking to rebuild, the O’s could eventually look at Hoey to see if he is the long-term solution.

Texas Rangers

Favorite: C.J. Wilson emerged last season as a reliable option for the Rangers, saving 12 of 14 games down the stretch. Much like Sherrill, he’s a lefty specialist (.112 BA against) who would be much better served in a situational role. Righties tend to give him some trouble, posting a .301 BA against him during his career.

Keep an eye on: Joaquin Benoit, who could vulture saves similar to last season, especially against teams loaded with right-handed bats. He is as volatile as they come in the ninth, blowing seven saves in '07. He’s experiencing some shoulder soreness this spring, which could factor into his early-season performance.

Darkhorse: "Everyday" Eddie Guardado brings his 183 career saves to Texas this year, and could wind up with the job if Wilson and Benoit stumble. He was pretty terrible last season in limited duty with the Reds (7.24 ERA in 13 2/3 innings), and needs a solid first month and for others to falter to get his shot.

Cleveland Indians

Favorite: Joe Borowski has a lock on the job despite posting a 5.07 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in '07. Sure, he converted 45 of 53 save opportunities, but the Indians 'pen is too good to allow him to again put up those kind of numbers with games on the line.

Keep an eye on: Rafael Betancourt (1.47 ERA, 0.76 WHIP) or Rafael Perez (1.78 ERA, 0.92 WHIP) could get a crack at the job if Borowski falters. Both pitchers strike out just over a batter per inning.

Darkhorse: Masahide Kobayashi, 33, was a closer for Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines in '07, posting a 3.61 ERA with 27 saves. Japanese relievers have had good success in the majors (Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima, Akinori Otsuka and even back to Kaz Sasaki), making Kobayashi a strong sleeper candidate.

Michael Salfino contributed to this report.

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