The AL Closer Report

The fantasy closer reports are moving to Fridays… As a result, it means two reports this week for both the American League and National League.

Strong Performers

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Despite totaling just one inning so far this week, Rivera has saved two games against the struggling Angels. He did not allow a hit or a walk. Rivera has a total of four saves in as many tries on the young season.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Four appearances, four saves. Seattle’s season hasn’t gone quite as planned so far, but you cannot blame Aardsma. The former college closer appears to have finally settled into the role in pro ball. He’s got five Ks and has yet to allow a hit. Aardsma has actually saved each one of Seattle’s wins on the year.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Minnesota is tied with Toronto and Oakland for the most wins in the AL, and Rauch has saved five of those games. He’s given up his fair share of hits (five in five innings) but he has yet to walk anyone and he’s being helped by a steady defense behind him. Rauch is not flashy, but he’s getting the job done.

Steady Performers

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Papelbon has gotten into just one game this week so far but he shut the door. He’s 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, but also has one loss to his credit, as well.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Soria has appeared in one game this week and shut the door over 1.1 innings. He walked a batter but also recorded two Ks. The interesting news is that it’s been announced that the club will use Soria earlier (and longer) in games if a key lead needs protecting.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: The A’s club is in first place in the American League East with a 7-4 record, but Bailey has yet to have a save opportunity this season. Rookie Tyson Ross is the only pitcher on the staff with a save, but that was a three-inning affair. Bailey has yet to allow a run in 3.0 innings, so he should be ready when called upon.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: Soriano has recorded one save this week and has also struck out two batters in 2.0 innings. He gave up one run on a solo homer. Overall, he’s been a little too hittable with five base-knocks allowed in 4.0 innings.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: The Tigers’ $14 million man has looked pretty average so far this season with two saves in three tries. He’s also whiffed just two batters. On the plus side, he’s induced 11 ground balls compared to just three fly-balls, which is a great way to keep the ball in the park.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: The White Sox bullpen has some pretty powerful arms on display, so Jenks’ days in Chicago could be numbered. On the positive side, though, he’s throwing pretty well and has two saves in as many tries. He’s struggled a bit with his control and has four walks in as many innings, but he also has six Ks.

Fallen on Hard Times

Chris Perez | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: It’s been a rough April so far for Perez. The young closer has five walks and four hits allowed in just three innings. He failed to record an out in his last appearance. Control has never been a strong suit of Perez but he should rebound.

Unemployed and/or Injured

Jason Frasor | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: Toronto leads the American League in both saves (six) and save opportunities (eight). Frasor has recorded three saves but he’s also responsible for both blown saves, which has caused the closer job to (at least temporarily) be awarded to Kevin Gregg. He also has three saves on the young season and has given up no walks and just one hit in 4.1 innings.

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Fuentes had made just one appearance on the season (a save on opening day) and he was finally placed on the DL this week. Fernando Rodney has been named his replacement and he secured his first save against the Yankees this week. Kevin Jepsen is a dark-horse candidate for saves.

New to the Job

Jim Johnson | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: With Mike Gonzalez on the DL with shoulder problems, Johnson is the go-to guy for now. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been overly sharp this season. The club also recalled Kam Mickolio, who could also see some save opportunities.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: Feliz is probably not available in your fantasy league, but if he is… PICK HIM UP. The 21-year-old flame thrower has taken over the role from Frank Francisco and he just might not give it back. Feliz already has two saves in as many tries. On the year, he has seven Ks in 4.2 innings of work.