Closer Carousels: MLB Closers & Saves Update (Week 19)

Ridin' Dirty

I would like to first start off by apologizing for my last column, I am sorry if I offended anybody.  After days of hearing about nothing but the Alex Rodriguez saga, I just want PEDs banished forever - but unfortunately that is impossible.  There will always be a few players that will try and beat the system, no matter the consequences.  Stricter rules will most likely limit the use of PEDs, but I doubt the issue will ever go away.  I mean 32 of our states currently utilize capital punishment, yet people still kill people.  Anyways, the purpose of my last column was simply to provide a different outlook for letting the players use PED’s.  But in retrospect, I do not really want that option - and I really don’t ever see something like that being a reasonable solution. Honestly, I think the best solution is for MLB to establish and enforce much stricter rules, which I can foresee happening as early as next year (hopefully).  Obviously, the current rules in place are not a plausible deterrent.  I think the rules should be changed to a 2 strike system:  1 strike equals a 1 year suspension, and the 2^nd strike would be a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball.  I believe that this type of rule change would severely dampen the use of PEDs.  MLB is on a mission to rid baseball of PED usage, and I believe it’s only a matter of time until they doso .

“They see me rollin, they hatin, patrolling they tryin to catch me ridin dirty.  Trying to catch me ridin dirty…..”

Yeoman’s Work

Ernesto Frieri:  There are times when owners of closers should panic, and there are times when the closer in question is just going through a rough patch.  Everyone should realize that pitchers go through slumps in the same way that hitters do.  And I think this is one of those times for Ernesto Frieri.  Frieri has struggled to the tune of coughing up 12 runs in his last 4 2/3 innings.  His ERA has ballooned up to 4.78 with a possible job demotion in the waiting.   The problem is that the Angels really do not have a talented replacement to steal the job.  Dane De La Rosa, Kevin Jepsen and Michael Kohn would probably be the choices if a change were to be made.  If you put a gun to my head and said choose just one, I would pick Dane De La Rosa - with Kohn being the possible sleeper.  With all of that being said, I can see an interesting buy low opportunity here.  So for all the Frieri owners, I would not panic, not yet anyways.

Houston's Pigpen:  Jose Cisnero was supposed to be the heir apparent to Jose Veras once he departed, but he was optioned to Triple-A on August 7^th.  Then steps in Josh Fields, who converted his first career Major League save on August 5^th, and then promptly blew his next chance in epic fashion just 2 days later.  So yeah, as you can see, we have a huge meh on our hands. And this is just horrible, na mean?  After analyzing this awful meh, I have come to the conclusion that there are only two options left and they are Joshua Zeid and Chia-Jen Lo.  “How Lo can you go?  I could go Lo, Lo, Lower than you know.”  Grab Chia-Jen Lo now, while it’s still on the down Lo!

Danny Farquhar:  I wanted to write about him last week - but unfortunately I had zero time and could not complete my weekly closers article, so sorry about that.  Anyways, here is the new Mariners closer and possible game finisher for the rest of the season.  With the news of Tom Wilhelmsen getting optioned, Farquhar has a great opportunity to prove himself.  And he has converted his first three save chances with ease.  He provides an elite strikeout rate, which is always nice to see in a closer, to go along with a nasty curve.  I’m on board and "Got Heem" in all leagues!

Balks

Brad Ziegler:  I stand corrected for the time being, Ziegler is handling his own as the Snakes closer.  But I still have this funny feeling that I just can't shake; I still don't see this experiment lasting long.  Ziegler had proved me wrong up to this point so I may just need to “drop it like its hot!

Craig Kimbrel:  Arguably the best closer in baseball.  Jordan Walden earned his first save of the season on Monday but it was only because Kimbrel was unavailable.  No worries here, move along!

Kevin Gregg:  There is still a slight chance that he gets traded in August so keep Pedro Strop at arm’s length.

Kenley Jansen:  Is still nasty nailz, but the Brian Wilson signing is a little worrisome.  Stay afloat until otherwise noted.

Jim Henderson:  He is back as the Brewers closer and performing quite well, even with the limited chances.

LaTroy Hawkins:  Ugh, only add if you are extremely desperate for saves.  David Aardsma could also vulture a chance or two.

Mark Melancon:  Melancon has been phenomenal all season, and has been lights out since taking over for Jason Grilli.  One key note is that Grilli started a throwing program recently, and there is speculation that he could be back by month's end.  It's tough to say when activated if he will get thrown right back into the closers role, or if will he will be eased in.

Huston Street:  Street received zero interest at the trade deadline, and I highly doubt that changes in August.  He should finish out the year as the Friars closer assuming he stays healthy.  Dale Thayer is most likely next in-line with Luke Gregerson struggling as of late.

Casey Janssen:  Janssen has been pitching extremely well recently, and striking out more batters than normal.  I guess his balky shoulder isn’t too bad after all - but if anything happens, Sergio Santos or Brett Cecil would fill in.

Fernando Rodney:  Rodney suffered his 6^th blown save of the season on Wednesday.  He will continue to get the save chances unless he completely falls apart, and if that happens get ready to snag Jake McGee or Joel Peralta.

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