Closer Watch Blog

Monday, November 12, 2007

Baltimore Orioles
open Closer
Tyler Walker 1st in line
Chad Bradford 2nd in line

The O's may be in the market for a stop gap closer with Chris Ray expected to miss most of the 2008 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Danys Baez will also miss next season with TJ surgery.

Walker picked up 7 spot saves in 2007, but could remain in a setup role if the Orioles do bring in a veteran closer.

Cleveland Indians
Joe Borowski Closer
Rafael Betancourt 1st in line
Tom Mastny 2nd in line

The Indians picked up Borowski's 4 million option for 2008. The 36-year-old Borowski was a shaky closer this past season with a 1.43 WHIP and 5.07 ERA, despite recording 45 saves.

Betancourt will enter next season as a firm next in line closer coming off a very impressive 0.76 WHIP season in 79+ IP.

Chicago Cubs
Kerry Wood Closer
Carlos Marmol 1st in line
Bob Howry 2nd in line

The Cubs are moving Ryan Dempster back in to the starting rotation this coming Spring Training, leaving an opening in the closers' role. Wood is currently a free agent, but could become the Cubs' closer if he's resigned.

Marmol is the teams' future closer and could compete with Howry for the job during Spring Training if Wood, or another veteran, isn't brought in. The 25-year-old hard throwing Marmol had a 1.10 WHIP with 96 K's in 69+ IP this past season.

Houston Astros
open Closer
Chad Qualls 1st in line
Dennis Sarfate 2nd in line

The Astros opened up their closers' role with the trade of Brad Lidge last week. The team could be on the market for a veteran closer to succeed Lidge. The fall back plan is Qualls, but they could bring in a veteran to close with Qualls remaining the top setup man.

Milwaukee Brewers
Francisco Cordero Closer
Derrick Turnbow 1st in line
Scott Linebrink 2nd in line

Cordero is a free agent and may be lured to signing elsewhere as attactive offers could come his way next week. If the Brewers lose Cordero they could be in the market for a veteran closer or possibly turn the job back over to Turnbow.

The 29-year-old Turnbow had a 1.32 WHIP in 68 IP last year picking up 33 holds in his demoted role as a setup man. However, he posted a 6+ ERA in the second half, perhaps making the Brewers weary of a return to the closers' role.

Philadelphia Phillies
Brad Lidge Closer
Tom Gordon 1st in line
Brett Myers 2nd in line

The Phillies are moving Myers back in to the starting rotation with the acquisition of Lidge. The 30-year-old Lidge had surgery on his troublesome knee following the season. The veteran had a 1.25 WHIP with 88 K in 67 IP in 2007.

Closer Watch Blog Archive:
2007
2006