Record Brian Wilson
2011 projects to be, as it often is, a year in which a good number of teams will be looking at a change of guard, either due to trades, injuries, or retirement. My drafting strategies never call for drafting one of the premier closers, since in my opinion, they almost always go for more than their value to the team. I tend to look for "Second-tier" closers or "Potential-Closers" where, if I make the right choices, it can pay off big for my team.
The 2011 National League Projected Closer list includes four teams: Atlanta, Washington, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Arizona that are due to have a new closer at the beginning of the season. Other teams, such as Cincinnati, Houston, St. Louis, and Los Angeles - Dodgers might be looking at a change in closers sometime during the season.
Following is a list by team of the 2011 National League projected closers and potential replacements (if any).
Atlanta Braves: With the retirement of Billy Wagner Atlanta will be using a new closer this year. Atlanta is going into the year, as per their new manager Fredi Gonzalez, with potentially sharing the closer role by Craig Kembrel and Jonny Venters.
Florida Marlins: Leo Nunez struggled at the end of last year and was in fact replaced by Clay Hensley, so look for this possibility again this year. Hensley had been considered for a starting spot this year, however that changed with the signing of Javier Vazquez.
New York Mets: Francisco Rodriguez should be a solid closer assuming he can stay out of trouble and out of jail.
Philadelphia: Brad Lidge has had his share of inconsistency during the last 2-3 years, however he is primed to be the closer again for a very solid Philadelphia team. With the addition of Cliff Lee, Philadelphia should be the Jewel of the National League this year. Look for Ryan Madson to get some save opportunities.
Washington: Drew Storen's days have arrived as the closer for Washington. This team should continue to improve and Storen should be given the opportunity to settle into that role for years to come.
Chicago Cubs: It is hard to argue with Carlos Marmol's stuff as a closer. I do not anticipate any changes in here.
Cincinnati Reds: Francisco Cordero is rumored to be on the trading block. Regardless of what takes place look for Nick Masset to get some save opportunities.
Houston Astros: Brandon Lyon is the scheduled closer but Matt Lindstrom has proven in the past to be able to handle the closing duties, and will get some consideration.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trevor Hoffman is now gone and the job has been given to John Axford, who proved to be able to handle the job last year when Hoffman faulted.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Joel Hanrahan is primed to be the closer but look for Evan Meek to get some save opportunities and even the full-time job should Hanrahan faulter.
St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Franklin should again start out the year as the closer but this is projected to be his last year (at least with St. Louis) and there are two potential replacements: Jason Motte, and Kyle McClellan. They both should be ready this year to assume the closer role should they be called upon.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona had real big problems last year both in their closers and overall bullpen so they went out this winter and enhanced their bullpen. They also brought in a guy with a proven track record to be their closer: J J Putz.
Colorado Rockies: Houston Street, who was out due to health reasons for a short period of time last year should resume his closer role for the year.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Jonathan Broxton had looked unhittable at times during the 2009 season and early in 2010, however he had command problems late in the year and was replaced for a while by Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo will give the Dodgers an excellent second choice and due to the fact that he is left-handed should get his share of closing opportunities this year.
San Diego Padres: Just like in 2010, Heath Bell is rumored to be on the trading block. I personally feel that unless they are in contention at the trade deadline, the Padres will do the smart thing and trade him. Look for Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams to get the closing job should a trade be made.
San Francisco Giants: Brian Wilson is without a doubt one of the premier closers in the Major League. We do not see any reason why he will not continue his dominance this year and with the staff that the Giants have look for Wilson to potentially lead the league in save opportunities.
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