Closers or posers??

The closers. One of baseballs most high pressure jobs. You get to come in cold from the bullpen, into a game that is already nail bitingly close, oh, and by the way, you better be perfect, or some untalented blogger will be tagging you as a poser!! With that in mind, lets take look at these fire balling, nerves of steel hurlers.

Taking into account the only personnel on our roster that can create any points in our save columns are the closers. Furthermore, since their appearances are rare compared to other players, it is imperative that they capitalize on their opportunities. Additionally, with the limited batters they face, they should be an asset in your era and whip columns, and few Ks along the way is not unlikely as they are geared for strikeouts as opposed to being ground ball pitchers.

One name that sticks out is future hall of famer (in my opinion) Trevor Hoffman ( RP MILBREW). Taking into consideration the fact that Trevor has 596 career saves, which makes him one of the all time greats, I can’t with a clear conscience call him a poser. HOWEVER, with an astronomical ERA of 12.21, WHIP of 2, has allowed 7 homers, and opponents hitting .356 against him, there is no room for Hoffman on our fantasy rosters, and unfortunately, the Brewers may be feeling the same way very soon. On a personal note, and as a fan of the game, I sincerely hope he makes it to the 600 saves before the brew crew makes their much needed changes. In his 17th season at age 42, it is looking unlikely he will be able to find a roster spot elsewhere. Best of luck to you Mr. Hoffman!!

Another disappointment this season is Brad Lidge ( RP PHILPHIL). In his 8th major league season, his numbers have fallen off from a year ago. When a man is making 12 million a year, we would expect a bit more success than an ERA of 2.70, and only a 1 out of 3 conversion rate. Currently on the DL with elbow inflammation, there’s no telling what the rest of the season will hold. Save opportunities are too valuable to allow Lidge to ruin our S columns. 33% is not what we need to be successful in our fantasy leagues. Sorry Brad, off to the wire!!

A less recognizable name is Chad Qualls (RP ARIZDBACKS). With 3 blown saves already and an embarrassing ERA of 7.07, and an equally bad WHIP of 2, it is fortunate for Qualls that the Diamonbcks have no real alternatives at this moment. With a bullpen giving up a OPS of .921, the Diamonbacks may be stuck with Qualls, but we don’t have to be!! Sorry Chad, off to the cyber minors!!

I hope you all had a great week in your leagues! Yours truly took down the h2h match up with a 7-3-0 performance. Not quite as good in roto, but was able to hold on to second (ESPN) with a rather weak 69.5, and fell to 3rd(Yahoo) with a more tolerable 76.5. Wishing you all monster scoring, and most of all have fun!!

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