The Inside Pitch Closer Watch Report Archive |
Monday, January 14, 2008 Texas Rangers C.J. Wilson to Closer in place of Kaz Fukumori Eddie Guardado to 1st in line in place of C.J. Wilson Joaquin Benoit still 2nd in line The Rangers signed Guardado to a 1 year contract last week for closer insurance for Wilson. GM Jon Daniels indicated after the signing that Wilson will be given the chance to earn the Rangers' closer role with Guardado as the next in line closer. The 27-year-old Wilson had a 1.21 WHIP in 68+ IP last year with 63 K, 12 saves and 15 holds. The 37-year-old Guardado returned from Tommy John surgery last August with the Reds and struggled initially, but finished the season with 7 scoreless outings. Every Day Eddie had a 1.46 WHIP and 7.24 ERA in 13+ IP on the season. Guardado last full season as a closer was 2005, when the veteran had 36 saves for the Mariners. New York Yankees Mariano Rivera still Closer LaTroy Hawkins to 1st in line in place of Joba Chamberlain Kyle Farnsworth still 2nd in line The Yankees signed Hawkins to a 1 year contract at the end of December. The 35-year-old veteran had a 1.23 WHIP in 55+ IP with 29 K and 18 holds last year with the Rockies. Chamberlain's role has not be determined for the 2008 season. If the hard throwing rookie does not join the Yankees' rotation, he'll remain the teams' firm next in line closer in a relief role. Colorado Rockies Manny Corpas still Closer Brian Fuentes still 1st in line Luis Vizcaino to 2nd in line in place of Ryan Speier The Rockies signed Vizcaino to a 2 year contract with an option for a third in December. The 33-year-old had a 1.45 WHIP in 75+ IP with 62 K and 14 holds with the Yankees last year. Closer Watch Blog Archive: Dec 17, 2007 Dec 10, 2007 Dec 3, 2007 Nov 26, 2007 Nov 12, 2007 2007 2006 |
Sign up for the Closer Watch Report *Analysis of changes to the Inside Pitch Closer Watch *Daily email during the season and weekly in the off season |
|
Email: dwilliams@theinsidepitch.com |