As always, and one of the reasons we suggest not overpaying for saves in your auctions/drafts, there are a lot of changes in MLB bullpen roles this week.
Let’s start with the Texas Rangers where closer Neftali Feliz has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder soreness. First since I own Feliz in several leagues, let’s hope this is just a short, needed rest – perhaps a tour of colder weather ports before returning to 90 degrees in Arlington led to some inflammation. Next who do we look for on the waiver wire to get some of those suddenly available saves? I think the most likely thing is a division of the save opportunities between LHP Darren Oliver, RHP Darren O’Day, and LHP Arthur Rhodes. This actually should give Ranger manager Ron Washington the freedom to mix and match, BUT….if I had to pick just one to bet on it would be Oliver, who in fact did get the first chance which he quickly converted on Saturday night.
Moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers, I must say that my personal opinion from having watched him in most of his appearances this year is that closer Jonathan Broxton is still not in perfect health. The other options in the Dodger’s bullpen haven’t exactly inspired confidence either, so it is well timed that Hong- Chih Kuo is on rehab at Rancho Cucamonga and could likely rejoin the team by the end of the week. And a chance to give Broxton a sartorial suggestion – call in sick the next time the Dodgers wear those pale blue throwback uniforms – yours makes you look like you are well over 300 pounds, not just a donut away as usual.
Life is never dull around Ozzie Guillen and his bullpen woes have led to more expletive deleted phrases for the writers to dance around. Last week at one point Guillen even said when asked about his bullpen choices said …..”I don’t have a guy to go to down there.” Actually I don’t think that is true, and hopefully one of his better options, Sergio Santos gets the next chance and runs with it to become the (temporary – I still think Thornton returns at some point) White Sox closer. Of course that assumes that the Pale Hose actually get close to scoring some runs and having a lead late in the game. While they have some excellent hitters, some are soundly asleep (Alex Rios – looking at you here); some are prone to dozing off (more coffee for Alexei Ramirez and Paul Konerko); and in general a lifeless offense. In fact, while they will at some point break out (it takes two good games in a row not just one random win), right now I put them with Seattle in the “must pitch your SP against them” category. Hey it has worked well so far.
The Seattle Mariners, like the White Sox, don’t get that many save chances, and Brandon League hasn’t really been that bad with those he has had, but closer David Aardsma is on rehab and should return late this week or early next. If Aardsma is immediately successful, this can allow League to go back to the eighth inning setup spot and strengthen the Mariners bullpen.
Ryan Madson got two saves over the weekend for the Phillies. The first came Friday night after current closer Jose Contreras had pitched on consecutive nights and was being given a rest. The second came in an extra-inning game on Saturday when Contreras had already been used. Madson of course was last year’s necessary handcuff for Brad Lidge and this year it was a very good play to pair him with either Lidge and/or Contreras. With Lidge going on the DL before the season started, it enabled me to freeze Contreras for $10 when I would have pitched him back in an NL keeper league and then during the auction I was able to add Madson for two bucks for a very productive pair of relief pitchers. Now with Contreras on the 15 day disabled list and out for an indefinite amount of time with strained right flexor pronator tendon, Madson will be the guy for the foreseeable future, with Antonio Bastardo - who has earned high praise from manager Charlie Manuel - sneaking a few save chances with left-handed hitters due up.
Finally one note for both AL and NL only fantasy players – if it is not too late. Last week’s DFA of Brandon Wood by the Angels and subsequent waiver claim by the Pittsburgh Pirates created a unique pair of opportunities assuming you have the right conditions in your league(s). Wood will get a chance to work with Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle who is an excellent hitting coach. If the resurrection works, there is nothing in Pittsburgh in the way of Wood playing every day at shortstop. So….if you are in an AL only league and had Wood on reserve or more sympathy in your active lineup, don’t run to toss him away if you will get credit for his NL stats. I think it is worth waiting to see if Wood finally gets the chance the Angels never gave his prodigious bat – at least that is what I am doing. In NL only leagues with reserve spots (or where you have a totally dead spot at SS or MI) I would pick him up and stash him and again see whether he can finally become a viable fantasy player.