Last season was another terrible season for Chris Young., but if you look deep into his numbers you will see he that after August he batted .278 with 8 home runs. Watching Young it looked like he figured out his problems and was producing more to our expectations. In 2010 he will be the starting centerfielder for the Diamondbacks and at 26 with 1700 career at bats he is in his prime. Look for Chris Young to explode this year, backed up by a young, powerful, and energetic Diamondbacks lineup.
In his best season, Young hit 32 home runs, stole 27 bases, and batted .237. You can’t expect that much better of an average, but a serious improvement in home runs and stolen bases will occur. Since breaking the 1500 at bat barrier, Young’s numbers have improved and they will continue as he enters the prime of his career. Currently, Young is going 327th in drafts. For you non-math majors, that is roughly the 28th round. Chris Young is a steal after the 20th round. Draft him as a fourth outfielder, and by the end of the season he will be a starter. 2010 Projections: .252 BA, 25 Hrs, 83 RBI, 79 Runs, 23 SB
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Mariano Rivera is the Sandman, fact. You couldn't act for a more perfect closer. He is on a winning team and he really only needs one pitch to get outs. He's coming off a great season and he showed no sign of declining at age 39. I expect him to have another outstanding season in 2010. It will probably be the last dominating season for Rivera. He will open 2010 at the ripe age of 40 and decline is inevitable. Rivera makes a perfect closer to head up your fantasy bullpen.
The True Guru Strategy: Rivera is one of the best in the game and is a high-end #1 closer. Currently his ADP is sixth round, but I think it's a round too high for Rivera. Take him around the 7-8th round. Rivera turned 40 and could start declining at any time. He should have one more great year in him, but no matter how you look at he has risk.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
The other night I got to meet Lenny Melnick and his protégé, the lovely Andrea LaMont in Las Vegas. We had about a 5 hour dinner where we discussed fantasy baseball in detail and shared our thoughts on many players. Andrea grilled me for not listing Drew Storen on my top 50 relief pitchers, while Lenny shared his thoughts on players like Francisco Liriano and Brandon Morrow. I pushed for my power-closer strategy, and we even discussed the industry and where it was heading.
It was a great evening and everyone had a great time. I walked away agreeing to put up a dedicated page for minor league prospect closers, and Lenny promised that he would continue to hate closers. Andrea was very passionate in her beliefs on players and was an admitted Nationals fan. That brings the count to 12 total. I found out her favorite player was Jacoby Ellsbury, which everyone knows I can't disagree. Of course I was a bit disappointed that Andrea didn't know I was a Red Sox fan, but knew my intensity and passion for closers. I had to remind her that I'm no closer expert, I just focus on them and research the hell out of every single possible one. I enjoy watching the ninth inning of a baseball game and I feel it is one of the more exciting moments in sports. She was still mad has heck about me not taking Drew Storen seriously (yet), and we did make a bet. She bet that the Oakland A's would finish ahead of the Angels in the AL West. I took the Angels. We'll see.
I will say that Lenny did mention Chris Carter, but you'll have to guess which one.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
You can probably tell that based on this being my second Rockies player, but they will have a good offense this year. Carlos Gonzalez is part of the stellar young Rockies outfield. He joins a core of young outfielders including Dexter Fowler and Seth Smith. Savvy veterans Brad Hawpe and Ryan Spilborghs make for a fast and powerful outfield. Last year Gonzalez was blowing it up in AAA and the Rockies brought him up and he continued his hot streak in the majors. In limited at bats (278), Gonzalez hit 13 home runs and stole 16 bases. He is a sneaky fast powerful player. His batting reminds me of Hanley Ramirez from the left side. He has the ability to hit to all fields with authority. Carlos Gonzalez can be a streaky hitter, where he'll get hot for awhile and cool down, but in the end he will have the numbers.
At 24, there are few players at that age who have more upside than Gonzalez. His lack of experience and consistently make him risky, but if he continues where he left off, he will have an outstanding season. He is easily a 20/20 candidate and that puts him high on my radar and right now he's going around the 127th pick in drafts. That is in the same territory as Andrew Bailey, Vlad Guerreo, Jay Bruce, and Chad Billingsley. I think he is better then all of those players except Bailey, who he is equal to if not better. Draft him as early as the 9th round. He will be worth it.
The True Guru Projections: .280 BA, 23 Hrs, 67 RBI, 89 Runs, 29 SB
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
I am the ultimate bargain shopper. If I go on a trip, I am using priceline for my hotel, ebay for my tickets, and TJ Maxx for my clothes. Restaurant.com is a staple when I go out, $25.00 certificates for $2.00 all over the country is awesome. Eastbay's Final Score is one of my favorite places to buy athletic wear.
So why would be fantasy baseball be any different. When I look back on my season my favorite players tend to be the ones that I drafted late and performed like a Top 50 player. Adam Lind was that player last year. So who will those players be this year? Today, let me give you five that you really need to target.
CRITERIA: Must be ranked below 250 SOURCE: Mock Draft Central, one of my favorite sites my ADP
Cameron Maybin, OF Florida Marlins Maybin was the linchpin of the Cabrera trade two years ago but was not ready for the major leagues. He is now penciled in as the starting center fielder for Fish and looked great at the end of 2009. He had 11 hits the last week of the season. Always draft talent and this kid has it.
Lastings Milledge, OF Pittsburg Pirates Milldge has worn out his welcome in two organizatons and for all practical purposes, this is his last chance. His ADP is, get this, is 403! Milledge will live up to his 20-20 potential and make you look like a genius, in the last round of your draft.
Skip Schumaker, 2B St Louis Cardinals With an ADP of 463, Schumaker is getting no love from fantasy owners this year. I will be happy to wait until the last round of my draft to take a .300 hitter who will score 100 runs. With the opportunity to prepare for the second base position for the first time in the offseason, I see him hitting double digit home runs and stealing ten bases as well.
Anibal Sanchez, SP Floirda Marlins He is certainly an injury risk but in his last seven starts, he pitch sub 3.00 ERA ball. Marlin pitchers are two things, talented and fragile. I am rolling the dice on Sanchez in 2010. You should as well. Bank on 12 wins, 160Ks and an ERA around 3.40
Francisco Liriano, SP Minnesota Twins Liriano was horrible last year. Just a complete blow up. But he has been dominate in winter league with a slider that has been nasty. With an ADP of 285, Liriano will end up anchoring your staff. He will not be the pitcher of 2006 but an ERA in the low 3s with 180 plus strikeouts is legitimate.
I will give you five more bargain bin specials next week. Make sure to put an asterick by each of these players on your draft sheets and be ready to find the best deals on draft day.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Clint Barmes is a late bloomer. Barmes will turn 31 in March and has only started to develop into a fantasy hitter the past couple of years. Last year he set career highs in home runs, hits, RBI, and runs. Allot of that was because he was a starter for the first time in 2009. The Rockies like what they have in Barmes and they see him as one of the best 8-spot batters in the NL. Even if they move him up in the lineup, Barmes will be even more effective. He is a savvy veteran that has finally figured out pitchers, and will continue to get better in 2010. The Rockies should have an outstanding offensive season with their mixture of young energetic players and proven veterans. I've always contended that young and old players can be energized or reenergized by a core of young starters. Barmes has had solid home run numbers in some seasons and a great average in others. Barmes should put it together this year and have a career year.
Don't jump to quick on Clint Barmes, but he is my Aaron Hill of last year. Hill was a top sleeper of mine in 2009, and this year at 2B it's Barmes. He won't exactly put up the numbers Hill did, just a disclaimer. He will have an outstanding season as your fantasy baseball second basemen. Another bonus is he should qualify at shortstop (16 in 2009) in allot of leagues.
The True Guru Projections: .282 BA, 26 Hrs, 90 RBI, 77 Runs, 15 SB
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
The Braves parted ways with Soriano in an off-season trade to the Rays and I think it was a huge mistake. For a few years now Soriano has been on the radar as a future stud closer and last year he took the next step towards that role. He recorded 27 saves and a 2.97 ERA, while striking out 102 in 75.2 innings.
Soriano has one of the best K/9 rates among closers and he has been added to a team that will see plenty of save opportunities and has a manager that won't be afraid to use him as often as needed. For owners, Soriano's only question mark is his consistency. He is still developing and his consistency should thrive and develop in 2010.
As far as his new team goes, the Rays will be in allot of tight games and have a knack for comebacks. That will bode well for their new closer, who should see plenty of action and over power aggressive American League hitters. There are only a handful of closer who will get more than 100 strikeouts in a season
or get 40+ saves. Mark down Soriano for both of them.
Right now Soriano is being drafted in the late 13th round. That should change as we get near the end of spring training. He's obviously a steal at that point, but drafting him as early as the eighth round is a smart and effective move. Let the draft dictate where you take Soriano.
The True Guru Projections: 46 Saves, 4 Wins, 115 Ks, 3.21 ERA, 1.02 WHIP
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season. Check out the rest of our breakouts here
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Last year Joey Votto made our breakout list as the fifth best breakout. Last year we projected him for .309 BA, 33 Hrs, 102 RBI, and 6 SB. He did under perform a bit, but still had a huge breakout season. I still believe we haven't seen the best Joey Votto, so expect another breakout season.
Votto is one of the purest talents in baseball. If he had more speed, he'd be a five tool player. At 26 years old, Votto is in his prime and has over a thousand at bats in the majors. He has remained consistent and improved as a hitter each season. He should improve hitting the breaking ball, and that will result in the breakout performance.
Votto also has a great offense around built on young talent and a few veterans. The Reds offense will improve drastically in 2010 and that means more runs and RBI for Votto. He had 151 hits and 25 home runs, but only 84 RBI. That will improve over the 100 mark in 2010. He will get more support from players like Chris Dickerson, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Scott Rolen. We ranked Joey Votto the #8 overall first basemen, so don't wait too long to get him and comfortably pass up guys like Morneau, Youkilis, and Morales.
The True Guru Projections: .314 BA, 31 Hrs, 104 RBI, 5 SB
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Andrew Bailey had a fantastic 2009 and earned his AL ROY award. In 2010 he will continue his dominance and establish himself as a stud closer. His K/9 rate is off the charts and his ERA and WHIP will set the foundation for any fantasy bullpen. The only negative for Bailey is the Oakland lack of commitment to winnings and the amount of save opportunities he will get.
The True Guru Draft Strategy: Bailey is currently going around the 132th pick in drafts. We have him ranked 56th overall and you should feel comfortable taking him in the ninth round. You can wait longer, but risk losing him.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Fantasy Baseball is in full swing already and I couldn't be happier! Let the debate begin on who should be drafted and where they should go. Everybody has the ultimate sleeper player in January and by April he is being taken in the 5th round. (2009 Chris Davis anyone) Of course we have that can't miss player who just kills us and doesn't he always seem to be a pitcher (Thanks Joakim Soria). But all of those things are in the past. A new year means a new Fantasy Title, for all of us.
I have decided to join Fantasy Baseball Tonight and Fantasy Baseball Search this season and hopefully for many more. I have written for other sites and teamed with Tony Cincotta on Blog Talk Radio and enjoyed every stop. This just seems like the right place for me. I can't wait to get reacquainted with everyone who listens to the radio shows and interact with each of you who read Fantasy Baseball Search.
My articles will have a very narrow focus this year. I will talk draft strategy, player versus player analysis, and sleeper picks (which we all like to crow about). Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and myself will discuss all of these things each week at 10PM EST on Wednesday starting on February 3rd.
I can't wait to get started. Best of luck in all your drafts and leagues.
To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Player: Billy Wagner Team: Atlanta Braves Throws: Left Position: RP FBS Sleeper Rank: #2/30
Last April, Billy Wagner was on the shelf for most of the season. Tommy John surgery was the cause and most players would have sat out the whole year, but Wagner was determined to get back and get back he did. After being traded to the Red Sox in late August, Billy Wagner proved he can still pitch. In 17 appearances in 2009, Wagner racked up 26 strikeouts and a surprising 1.78 ERA. Although his control wasn't perfect, Wagner showed no ill effect from the surgery. Better yet, he didn't lose his fierce competitive demeanor on the mound and that is part of his effectiveness. It seemed to be MIA the last few months he pitched with the Mets.
In 2010 Wagner will be the closer for the Atlanta Braves and they make an excellent fit for the strong-willed lefty. The Braves have a solid pitching staff of Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami, and Tim Hudson and with an inconsistent offense the Braves will be involved in plenty of close games. That means lots of work for Wagner and plenty of save opportunities. My projections at The Closer Report gave the Braves 51 saves as a team, so Wagner projects to rack up at least 40 saves himself.
The negatives on Wagner aren't much, but you have to worry about his health and the impact of surgery. Pitchers normally come back stronger after Tommy John surgery because of the rehab involved. They tend to lose strength by the second season after the surgery, so it will be interesting to see how Wagner's arm holds up. Health has always been a concern for Wagner, but after nearly a year of rest he is poised for a long healthy year.
The True Guru Projections: 40 saves, 4 wins, 80 Ks, 2.69 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season. Check out the rest of our breakouts here
To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Madson is a big-time sleeper in 2010 with all the problems Brad Lidge has going on. To start, Lidge had two minor surgeries in the off-season and the latter was on his elbow. Odds are he won't be ready to start the season and that means Ryan Madson will be the Phillies closer on opening day. Even when Lidge is ready to pitch, he will need time to get his strength up, which means more time for Madson. Then there is still the question of Lidge’s mechanics and control. With all those problems and the fact he is in his last year of his contract, Ryan Madson could be the closer for awhile if not the whole season in Philadelphia.
In 2009, Madson recorded ten saves in sixteen chances and in the end didn't handle the closer job very well when he got the job in June. In roughly 2 weeks, Madson blew three saves and three losses before losing the job back to Lidge. Brushing that aside, Madson is in his prime and has everything you need to be a great closer. During that stretch, Madson depended on his fastball a bit too much and hitters were sitting on it. That's bound to change as Madson gains confidence in his other pitches and he will have a great season, recording up to 20-40 saves. It all depends on how long he keeps the job, either way he will record several saves and post a fantastic K/9.
The True Guru Projections: 22 saves, 4 wins, 83 Ks, 2.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season. Check out the rest of our breakouts here
To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Tommy Hanson quietly had a great rookie season. After getting a no-decision in his first major league start, he went on to win 11 of 20 starts and finished with an ERA under 3.00. Hanson stunned the NL hitters with a .225 average and had excellent command of his fastball. He struck out 116 batters in 127.2 innings, which gave him a stellar 8.2 K/9 and a solid 3.2 BB/9. Those numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Hanson had a rough start in June walking 17 batters and striking out only 18. By the end of September he had 12 walks and 34 strikeouts for the month. If you eliminate his slow rookie start his numbers look even better, which is a great statistic for Sabermetric haters like myself.
At 23, Hanson already has the makings of a staff ace and will take the next step in his second season by posting breakout numbers. Currently he has an ADP of 84, and that's a steal for a pitcher of Hanson's quality. Hanson should easy get 175 innings in 2010 and post 167 or more strikeouts. A key to Hanson's progress will be his ability to adjust to the hitters and keep his pitch counts low early in the games. We expect Tommy Hanson to have a great 2010 and he is our #1 breakout.
The True Guru Projections: 17 wins, 167 Ks, 2.78 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season. Check out the rest of our breakouts here
To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
2009 was a good year for Fantasy Baseball Search. If you used our draft kit, you found allot of great breakouts and some sweet sleeper. I admit there were some
bad ones and plenty of them. Overall, if you drafted the players I told you to, you probably had a great season. This article was to cover the picks that did well and point out some that didn't go so well.
I've linked our original profiles to each player for verification.
Matt Kemp(Breakout #1)-- Kemp was our #1 breakout and he did not disappoint. He batted .297 while hitting 26 HRs and knocking in 101 RBI. He
also stold 34 bases. Our 2009 projections .301 BA, 25 Hrs, 99 RBI, 39 SB.
Joey Votto(Breakout #5)- We knew Votto was ready for a big year and he produced with a breakout performance; .322 Avg, 25 Hrs, 84 RBI, and 4 stolen bases. Our 2009 projections .309 BA, 33 Hrs, 102 RBI, 6 SB. He easily would have achieved those numbers if he wasn't hurt and only played in 131 games.
David Ortiz(Breakout #6)- Ortiz was our #6 breakout. Our projections were certainly off, but there were allot of people who felt Ortiz was in decline and he didn't decline and even with injuries still managed 28 HRs and 99 RBI.
Evan Longoria(Breakout #9)-- Longoria broke out and toppled his 2008 numbers with 33 HRs, 113 RBI, 9 SBs, and a .282 battling average. Our 2009 projections 31 Hrs, 105 RBI, 85 Runs, .277 Avg, 9 SB.
Jon Lester(Breakout #10)-- I battled on this guy all year and except for some ill-faded luck and timely hits he had an outstanding season. He was 15-8 with a 3.41 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 225 Ks. If you took our advice and drafted Lester you did well. Our 2009 Projections 3.12 ERA, 20-8 rec, 1.17 WHIP, 168 Ks.
Troy Tulowitzki(Breakout #11)-- All that I can say is wow. He surpassed our lofty projections and had an outstanding breakout year. Tulo hit 32 HRs and batted .297. He surpassed our 11 SBs with 20, but we were in lockstep with his 92 RBI and 101 runs. Our 2009 projections: 25 Hrs, 95 RBI, 102 Runs, .283 Avg, 11 SB.
Robinson Cano(Breakout #12)--
I took flak from the naysayers when I ranked Cano #7 for second base and called him a breakout. Once again, another pat on the back for The True Guru. .320 Avg, 25 Hrs, 85 RBI, and 103 runs. Our 2009 Projections: 19 Hrs, 99 RBI, 90 Runs, .326 Avg, 2 SB.
Hunter Pence(Breakout #21)-- I was all over Hunter Pence and he came through with a solid breakout season. 25 Hrs, 14 SB, and a .282 batting average was an improvement over his 25 Hrs, .269, and 11 SB. I expected more RBI and a higher batting average, but he still came through. Our 2009 Projections: 24 Hrs, 96 RBI, 87 Runs, .298 Avg, 15 SB.
Jonathan Broxton(Breakout #26)-- He was our our favorite closer coming into the 2009 season and if it wasn't for a stubborn toe injury he would have met our projections. He still had an outstanding breakout season with 36 saves, 0.96 WHIP, 7 wins, and 114 Ks. Our 2009 Projections: 5 wins, 86 Ks, 2.92 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 45 Saves.
Our Bust Breakout Calls and Excuses:
Mike Jacobs(Breakout #24)-- - He looked good for a month or so.
Jake Peavy (Breakout #7)-- - Inuries derailed his 2009 season.
Jay Bruce (Breakout #23)-- - A young player, who didn't take the next step forward. I was probably a year early.
Kelly Johnson (Breakout #22)-- -
Inconsistent playing time and Bobby Cox are to blame.
Wilson Betemit (Breakout #30)-- - Thank God he was ranked #30 on our list.
Joe Crede(Breakout #39)-- - Bad call.
Chad Billingsley (Breakout #32)-- - Serious regression.
Watch out in 2010.
Chris Perez (Breakout #16)-- - Could be a surprise in 201 with the Indians. Ryan Franklin pitched too well for Perez to get extended chances.
To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
It's still quite awhile from the opening of spring training and there are still a few closer jobs that managers are undecided on.
Let's start with Brad Lidge. Lidge had off-season surgery on his ailing strike zone (I mean elbow). Reports are that he may not be ready by the start of the season. If that happens, this dramatically increases the value of setup man Ryan Madison. The Phillies bullpen is a recovery room of arms as spring training looms. In the off-season, Lidge and Romero had elbow surgery, while newly acquired Denny Baez is recovering from shoulder surgery.
This is great news for Madson Maniacs. If he has a solid spring and Lidge doesn't, Madson should be the opening day closer for the Phillies. I think Charlie Manuel would be much happier with Ryan Madson as closer, then a recovering and nervous Brad Lidge.
Madson makes a great sleeper and should be considered a fifteenth round pick with the possibility of Lidge not being ready. Track how both Madson and Lidge are doing this spring before you draft. If all goes well, Madson could be this years Ryan Franklin. It is a bit of a long shot, but an acceptable risk in rounds 15-17.
Jose Valverde is still a free agent. The concerns with signing Valverde are valid, but not likely. His age and length of contract he's asking for compensation picks lost and his health issues as well are all concerns teams have with signing the big time closer. With all that said, Valverde is a reliable pitcher, who if stays healthy will get you 42-47 saves. It's worth the risk to any team searching for a closer, and the two teams making offers are the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks. My money is on Detroit. They let Fernando Rodney go, so Valverde would be a welcome site in the Tigers bullpen. He's never pitched in the American League only interleague play, so he should have the advantage for a few months. It's a great fit and in the end, if the Tigers want to remain competitive they have to sign Valverde and secure a veteran closer.
Chad Qualls is not the closer for the Diamondbacks. Well, Maybe. The Diamondback are in the market for a closer and are reported to be making offers to Jose Valverde. If they don't sign Valverde, then there will likely be a competition for the job between a few pitchers. Assuming Qualls has fully recovered from his dislocated knee; he should have the advantage for the job. Either way, Qualls is a risk and should be avoided in drafts until the situation improves.
Matt Lindstrom should be the opening day closer for the Astros if he is able to control his pitches in spring training. Lindstrom has everything to be dominant closers, the mentality, a hard fastball, and experience. He just needs to throw strikes. As insurance for Lindstrom, the Astros signed Brandon Lyon. Lyon is planned for the setup role with Lindstrom following in the ninth. It will be a competition, but it's Lindstrom's job to lose.
Check it out. The Closer Report Draft Kit will be updated daily once Spring Training starts. Get all the closer information you need at http://www.thecloserreport.com/.
