Throwin' the Bull

NL BULLPENS: Here’s a rundown on all the closers and setup guys that should matter. I’ll do a Summary at the end.

ARIZONA:
Closer – Jose Valverde – POUNDERS 4-07 – KEEPER. If he can stay healthy, he has the stuff to be a good closer. He is young and is not arbitration eligible until next year, so he could be the closer for a long time.
Setup 1 – Brandon Lyon – OLD RIPS 21 -07 Not a keeper unless he wins the closer job. He actually had crappy #’s, 6.44 ERA, 1.84 Whip. He’s kind of like Jose Mesa, who no one would want. But he is probably the next in line when Valverde gets hurt.
2 – Brandon Medders 26 yrs old. He had solid #’s last year. 30 1/3 IP, 1.78 ERA, 1.05 Whip, 31 SO’s. He has a 92-95 MPH fastball. He could be a good setup guy with #’s. But there are lots of guys here who could be a backup closer.
3 – Luis Vizcaino He has good stats every other year, but when he’s good he’s really good. But he is a crap shoot on any year.
4 - Greg Aquino – DOYLE 10-06X – not anymore. He was the closer of future before last season, until hurt his elbow. He had good #’s in 2005, but bad after returned from injury last year. Has potential to be good again.
5 – Brian Bruney – DOYLE 4-07 Greg should have traded him last year. He has great stuff, no control. Not likely closer of future anymore.
6- Terry Mulholland – grin. Old guy.

ATLANTA
Closer – Chris Reitsma – FALKUHNS – 3-07 – KEEPER He is the closer until they trade for someone else or he blows up.
Setup 1 – Blaine Boyer – LICKERS 5-07X Probably a KEEPER. 24 yr old, OK #’s last year 3.11, 1.30. There is some talk that he’s in the mix as closer or back up closer.
2 – Oscar Villareal 24 yrs old. His #’s were good in 2003, but has had limited innings the past 2 years due to injuries, without good #’s in AAA or majors. I don’t see him as a real choice.
3 – JOEY DEVINE – FALKUHNS – 6 -07X He could be kept by Larry as protection for Reitsma if he makes the majors, but really not worth it. He’ll probably start in AAA. He was a 1st rounder in 2005 from NC State, 95 MPH fastball and good slider. THE CLOSER OF THE FUTURE. This year’s Brian Bruney and Ryan Wagner. Oh, yeah, they didn’t do much that year. Still this club will need a guy in the future. Possibly a good choice for minor league draft?
4 – Lance Cormier 25 years old. He started out with 17 scoreless innings in Arizona last year, then got killed the rest of the year. Not draftable.
5 – Mike Remlinger – 39, old guy.

CHICAGO CUBS
Closer – Ryan Dempster He was good, 3.13, 1.43, 33 Saves. Signed 3 yr $15 million contract.
SETUP 1 – Bob Howry He was given a chance as closer early in his career with the 1999-2000 White Sox, but didn’t really make it. As setup man past 2 years in Cleveland has been studly: 2004: 2.74, 1.15, 2005: 2.47, 0.89. Would be reasonable safe choice for #’s and would be the closer if Dempster was bad or out.
2 - Scott Eyre He was really good for Giants, but as a lefty won’t be a closer. He had just decent #’s. Doesn’t get wins either.
3 – Scott Williamson He had Tommy John, so can’t count on him.
4 – Kerry Wood If he can’t handle the innings due to injury, has the stuff to be a top closer. Just a thought.

CINCINNATI
Closer – This could be anyone on this team
1 – David Weathers Still unbelievable. Was 15 of 19 Saves. 3.94 ERA, 1.29 Whip. He’s probably #1 again or part of a committee.
2 – Todd Coffey There’s all this speculation that he’s in the closer mix with Weathers and Wagner. I don’t understand it, he had terrible #’s in majors and AAA last year. But, then Derrick Turnbow had this hype last year and turned out to be pretty good.
3 – Ryan Wagner – FALKUHNS 8-07 Interesting choice for Larry. Who knows what he’ll do, if Wagner is not declared closer. He’s Only 23 years old!! Great #’s 2003, but terrible last 2 years. 2004: 4.70, 1.66 and 2005: 6.11, 1.60. Still he has great stuff, really SHOULD BE THE CLOSER OF THE FUTURE, but we’ve been hearing that for 2-3 years.
Setups 4 – Kent Merker 38 years old. Last 3 years ERA increasing 1.95 – 2.55 – 3.65 with Whips 1.41 – 1.25 – 1.35. Not a good trend.
5 – Matt Belisle Must have gotten him in a trade with Brittain for a bag of magic beans. Never really got closing chance last year and #’s were bad 4.41 , 1.48. Forget about it
6 – Chris Hammond He had decent #’s in the end, even with bad ending. Still, there should be better choices out there.
7 – Jim Journall – had to put his name down for old time’s sake

COLORADO

I know, it’s Colorado. But, I’ll do their closers for completeness sake.

Closer 1 – Brian Fuentes - BATS 10-07 – KEEPER. He finally got the job, even as a lefty. 31 saves, 2.91 ERA, 1.25 Whip are amazing in Colorado.
2 – Jose Mesa – LICKERS 23-06 – Not this time. Rockies signed the old man to be back up and probably will get some save opportunities as he’s the righty of the
2. But, they’ll be ugly.
3- Scott Dohmann In the immortal words of Homer Simpson: “Dohhhh!” Enough said about these guys or anyone else in the bullpen.

FLORIDA
Closer – Closer Joe Borowski He’s back. He’s a rent a closer for 1 year, low salary with lots of incentives. He’ll be the guy this year if he pitches well
2 – Travis Bowyer He’s the CLOSER OF FUTURE, and should get the job in 2007, if not earlier. AAA – 74 innings, 23 SV, 96 K, 2.79 ERA, 1.23 Whip. Power guy, 96-99 MPH fastball. Traded from Twins to Florida. He’s a guy to go after.
Setup 1 – Kerry Ligtenberg He was good in AAA after injuries last year, but ugly in 9 innings in majors. Was always solid until past 2 years. Could be decent, but not likely going to get save chances.
2 – Chris Resop – FALKUHNS 5-07X If he makes the majors, it would be a stretch for him to be the closer as Bowyer is really the guy. He’s 23 yr old, was in AA – 24 of 26 SV, 2.57 ERA, 1.29 Whip, 56 K in 49 inning, 96 MPH fastball. Probably goes to AAA, but could be a closer in future if Bowyer bombs.
3 – Matt Herges He had to land somewhere.

HOUSTON
Closer – Brad Lidge – OLD RIPS 13 -07C – KEEPER. As shown by his 3 losses and the monster HR to Pujols in the Playoffs, he’s over rated. I’d waive him if I owned him
Setup 1 - Dan Wheeler He was very solid last year, 73 inning, 69 K, 2.21 ERA, 0.98 Whip. Good choice for safe innings, and could get the saves if Lidge was hurt or somehow traded
2 – Chad Qualls – OLD RIPS 1-07 Keepable protection for Lidge. He was also very solid, a sinkerballer, and would be in the mix if Lidge was out. 79 inning, 60 K, 3.28 ERA, 1.21 Whip
No one else exciting: Russ Springer, Steve Sparks, Joe Valentine

LA DODGERS
Closer – Eric Gagne He should be back at full strength after last year’s injuries. He’s a top 2-3 guy
Setup 1 – Danny Baez He was the closer in Tampa Bay, 41 SV, 72 inning, 51 K, 2.86 ERA, 1.33 Whip. He’ll be the back up if Gagne isn’t right, and has the track record. Will be a Free Agent after this year, so might be moving on. If he’s cheap or reasonable, he has a 50-50 chance of being a closer in NL in 2007.
2 – Brazoban – ANY 9 5-06X – not a keeper anymore. He was a stud to start the season, but totally lost his control and lost the closer role to Duaner. His #’s were terrible, but back in setup role, could shine again, like 2004 No one else really matters here
3 – Kurt Ainsworth He’s never done anything since injury in SF 2002. He’s still only 27.

MILWAUKEE
Closer – Derrick Turnbow – POUNDERS 2-07 – KEEPER. He was amazing. He was talked up some in pre-season, even with crappy #’s, but he proved them right. 39 Sv, 1.74 ERA, 1.08 Whip. It’s his job now.
Setup 1 – Danny Kolb – HOBO – 5 – 07X – no way. Well he’s back home. He was ugly 2005 in Atlanta, but he was bad down the stretch in 2004. Might be the backup for saves, but could be scary.
2 – Matt Wise –OLD RIPS 1-07 – Keepable. He’s fully recovered now from Tommy John. Was solid last year in Milw, with 64 inning, 62 K, 3.36 ERA, 0.96 Whip, fairly safe, but no big upside.
3 - Jose Capellan – OLD RIPS – Farm. Traded to Milw for Danny Kolb, now both are here. He has 99-100 MPH fastball, poor control. Was thought to be possible starter, but looks like he’ll be in the pen. Could be a closer in future. AAA 3.89, 1/44, Majors 15.7 IP, 2.87 ERA, 1.40 Whip
4 – Mike Adams – ANY 9 6-06X – Not this time. He was supposed to be the closer last year, but had no control and was sent back to AAA. He’s a risk, but as backup if Turnbow hurt, is as good as anyone else, I guess

NY METS
Closer – Billy Wagner – PECKLERS 36-07 – Probably not. He’s a top 2-3 closer. If we throw him back, will go for big price.
Setup 1- Duaner Sanchez - POUNDERS – 5-07X – No way he’s kept. He’s not going to close anymore, but could get wins in 7-8ths innings. #’s were same for 2004 and 2005 – 3.38.1.35 and 3.73, 1.35
2 – Jorge Julio He closed in Baltimore 2002 – 2005, but had bad #’s, and was replaced in 2005. Don’t expect any good #’s in a set up role either, as his best was 4.38 ERA and 1.40 Whip over past 3 years.
3 – Chad Bradford Moneyball pitcher had good #’s for a few years, but have been worsening over past 3 years. At 31, he’s not got much upside.
4 - Juan Padilla Not a power pitcher, but he was really good after being called up last year. Could be a good middle reliever.

PHILLIES
Closer – Tom Gordon He’s 38 years old, but has pitched great past few years. There’s no reason to think he can’t continue. He’s been a closer in past, and was always good. Should be worth his price. Has a 3 year contract, so not a 1 year rent a closer.
Setup 1 – Arthur Rhodes In 2005 he returned to the top level setup man form that he had in 2001 and 2002. He got hurt in 2004 when he was put in closer role in Oakland, but he’s not a closer. He’s a setup guy, and when he’s right, he’s a really good one
2 – Aaron Fultz His #’s were ugly from 2000 to 2004, then studly in 2005: 72 innings, 2.24 ERA, 0.97 Whip. It’s hard to believe he can repeat it. I’d let someone else take the risk, though he’s not likely to be drafted
3 - Ryan Madson – now a starter No one else of interest

PITTSBURGH
Closer – Mike Gonzalez BATS 12-07 – KEEPER. It’s now his job, and he had great #’s past 2 years getting ready. No reason to expect anything other then success.
Setup 1 – Salomon Torres – FALKUHNS 3-07 Definitely keepable. He’s had solid years 2004 and 2005, since was pulled out of any starting spots. Should continue to have good #’s, and could get occasional right handed saves or if Gonzalez gets hurt
2 – Roberto Hernandez He had a good year in 2005, but it was his first since 2000. I wouldn’t bet on him continuing the good trend, especially at age 41
3 – Damaso Marte Actually the reverse. Had a bad year in 2005: 3.77, 1.72. He had been steady for the previous 3 years. No real upside, but would probably be a safe bet for good #’s
4 – Scott Strickland He hasn’t ever returned to 2003 form since Tommy John
5 – Ryan Vogelsong Mr Overrated of few years ago. Now Mr. No-verated

SAN DIEGO
Closer – Trevor Hoffman – CAPPERS – 16-06C – KEEPER. He’s 38 and has never had a bad year, only the injury year of 2003. No reason to expect a fall off in stats anytime soon. He had 43 Saves, 2.97 ERA, 1.11 Whip last year.
Setup 1 – Scott Linebrink – HOBO – 5 – 07 – KEEPER if they don’t have 10 better keepers. He’s great, and will be the closer, if Hoffman every shows his age and retires or gets hurt. Houston waived him in 2002, big mistake.
2 – Clay Hensley He was solid in AAA and in 47 innings in SD, which allowed SD to trade Otsuka and Hammond. In AAA (PCL – hitter’s league) 90 inning, 3.00, 0.94, 71 K. In Majors: 47 inning, 28 K, 1.70 ERA, 1.05 whip. Worth a $1 chance.
3 - The rest are old guys on the downside: Doug Brocail, Alan Embree, Andy Ashby

SAN FRANCISCO
Closer – Armando Benitez – BUSCH 30-06 – Keepable, full priced. He came back strong after he was injured early in the season. He’ll get the saves and should have decent ERA, with risky Whip. He’s signed for 2006 and 2007. He could be gone in 2007 if they blow up the team and go with youth without Barry and the REAL OLD guard (Moises, Vizquel, Finley, Durham – all done in 2006 or 2007)
Setup 1 – Tim Worrell His #’s have steadily worsened since 2003 career year in SF. He’s 38, so this could be a real trend. Only upside is he’ll get the saves when Benitez is out hurt.
2 – Steve “where’s the hat” Kline He was terrible in theAL last year, after a great year in 2004. I expect he’ll be more in the middle, closer to his career #’s, 3.4 ERA, 1.29 Whip
3 – Tyler Walker His #’s weren’t good, but he did get 24 of 28 Saves, and he’s got real stuff. So, could have upside for the future, especially if Benitez was gone in 2007. He’d probably have the inside track on closing.
4 – Jeff Fassero – Ouch.

ST LOUIS
Closer – Isringhausen Other then being injury prone, he’s been a top level closer since converted to a closer in 2000 in Oakland. ERA and Whip are always solid. And the Cards are a good team, with pitching and offense, so there should be lots of chances
Setup 1 – Braden Looper – PECKLERS 35-06 – No way. His #’s have been up and down over the years. Isringhausen is always hurt at some point. Looper will get saves then and some wins as the setup guy. I wouldn’t spend too much, but he’s worth owning
2 - Brad Thompson – good setup/middle guy, but not a power pitcher. Had good #’s in first year in Majors last year
3 - Ricardo Rincon – nothing special, not worth drafting
4-The rest who cares – ALAN BENES, John Riedling, Jeff Nelson, Randy Flores

WASHINGTON
Closer – Chad Cordero – HOBO 14-06 – EXTENDABLE. At age 24, he’ll be a star for years to come.
Setup 1 - Luis Ayala He had elbow surgery for bone spur 10/05, but should be back as a top level setup. He’d be a solid closer, if he ever got his chance. But, it won’t come anytime soon. Worth few $$’s.
2 – Gary Majewski Good stuff, but has control and Whip problems. ERA should be around 3.00, but Whip could be anything. Not big upside
3 – Joey Eischen He’s 35 now, and has been average or worse past 3 years. His time has come (2001) and gone.
4 – Felix Rodriguez – Dusty still should have left Russ Ortiz in the game, and left Felix on the bench

SUMMARY:
CLOSERS:
Keepers –
Jose Valverde (Pounders), Derrick Turnbow (Pounders)
Chris Reitsma (Falkuhns)
Brian Fuentes (Bats), Mike Gonzalez (Bats)
Brad Lidge (Old Rips)
Trevor Hoffman (Cappers)

Possible Keepers –
Ryan Wagner (Falkuhns)
Armando Benitez (Busch – possible)

Available – Lots of top level guys to spend on:
Eric Gagne
Billy Wagner (Pecklers – not likely keeper)
Jason Isringhausen
Tom Gordon
Ryan Dempster
Joe Borowski
Cincinnati Closers (Weathers, Coffey)

Written by Dr. Tailgate