Neftali Feliz, Tony Watson: Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Saves Leagues

OWNED IN: 12% (Feliz) / 20% (Watson) of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: It's official, Mark Melancon has been traded to the Washinton Nationals and is expected to replace the struggling Jonathan Papelbon. You can see our full MLB closers & saves depth charts updated here.

As of now, we are expecting Neftali Feliz to slide in as the new closer for the Pirates and should be added in all leagues that count saves. Tony Watson is a candidate as well, as he has been operating as the setup man for most of the year. But as their late-inning lefty, we would expect him to remain in a setup role. Normally managers tend to lean towards righties as their closers, but nothing is certain here.

What we know is that Feliz has more experience closing, with 97 career saves including 40 in 2010 and 32 in 2011. He also has great numbers on the year, posting a 2.97 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 45:11 K:BB ratio over 39 1/3 innings pitched.

UPDATE: We are now seeing reports from Pittsburgh beat writers expecting Watson to slide in as the new closer. This is not confirmed, but speculation from inside sources. This is a tough situation right now in terms of predicting who the new closer will be - there are very good arguments to be made for both pitchers. But it's tough to think the beat writers will be wrong here.

We can't guarantee anything, but if we have to choose one to pickup off the waiver wire right now it would probably be Watson. If he is available on your waiver wire, immediately add him or put in a modest bid with your FAAB. Feliz is a decent add as well, given his numbers and closing experience, and he could be the guy if Watson falters. This situation will shake out over the next few days.