Closer Watch Report 02 25 08

Monday, February 25, 2008

Philadelphia Phillies
Tom Gordon to Closer in place of Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge DL to 1st in line in place of Tom Gordon
Ryan Madson to 2nd in line in place of Brett Myers

Lidge could begin the season on the DL due to another knee surgery, (out 3-6 weeks), after reinjuring the knee this weekend. The Phillies are thin on late inning options with Myers returning to the starting rotation. Gordon has the experience, but struggled with injuries last year.

The 40-year-old Gordon had a 1.33 WHIP last year in 40 IP with 32 K, 6 saves and 14 holds.

Madson is a question mark this Spring after missing the final two months of the season with a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old right hander had a 1.27 WHIP in 56 IP on the year with 43 K and 7 holds.

Chicago Cubs
Bob Howry to Closer in place of Kerry Wood
Carlos Marmol still 1st in line
Kerry Wood to 2nd in line in place of Bob Howry

The Cubs will announce a closer from Howry, Marmol and Wood some time during Spring Training.

Piniella has been dropping hints as to who that closer may be, with Howry's experience potentially giving him the edge. The 34-year-old right hander had 8 fill in saves last year while posting a 1.17 WHIP in 81+ IP with 72 K and 22 holds. Howry spent 1 season as a closer; it came 9 years ago with the White Sox when he had a 28 save season.

Piniella has expressed concern with Wood's ability to pitch back to back days, which may hurt his chances of being named closer. The 30-year-old has been limited to just 40 IP over the past two seasons due to injuries.

Marmol is the future closer here, and may get named the closer to begin the season with a strong Spring. The hard throwing right hander had a break out rookie campaign last year with a 1.10 WHIP in 69+ IP with 96 K and 16 holds.

Florida Marlins
Kevin Gregg still Closer
Justin Miller to 1st in line in place of Matt Lindstrom
Matt Lindstrom to 2nd in line in place of Justin Miller

Miller had six September holds last year and will head in to this season as the Marlins' 8th inning setup man. The 30-year-old journeyman had a surprise year last year with a 1.25 WHIP in 61+ IP with 74 K and 17 holds.

Lindstrom still has decent future closer value. The hard throwing right hander had a 1.30 WHIP in 67 IP last year with 62 K and 19 holds.

Houston Astros
Jose Valverde still Closer
Doug Brocail to 1st in line in place of Oscar Villarreal
Oscar Villarreal to 2nd in line in place of Doug Brocail

Brocail is expected to be the Astros' 8th inning setup man this year. The 40-year-old right hander had a 1.17 WHIP in 76+ IP last year as a Padre, with 43 K and 10 holds.

Villarreal will have a chance to earn a setup role in Houston after pitching mostly in middle relief with the Braves last year. The 26-year-old right hander had a 1.40 WHIP in 76+ IP last year with 58 K and 2 holds.

New York Yankees
Mariano Rivera still Closer
Joba Chamberlain to 1st in line in place of LaTroy Hawkins
LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line in place of Kyle Farnsworth

Chamberlain's role on Yankees' pitching staff has been a hot topic all winter; starter or reliever. The latest news has the 22-year-old top prospect beginning the season in the bullpen.

As long as the hard throwing Chamberlain is in a relief role he'll have strong future closer value. The right hander had a dominant 0.75 WHIP in 24 IP last year with 34 K and 8 holds.

Closer Watch Report Archive:
Feb 11, 2008
Jan 28, 2008
Jan 14, 2008
Dec 17, 2007
Dec 10, 2007
Dec 3, 2007
Nov 26, 2007
Nov 12, 2007
2007
2006