Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Four-Closer

Published: 23^rd Apr 12 10:06 pm

by Adam McGill
adammcgill

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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Four-Closer

Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

With the fourth week of the fantasy baseball season upon us, it is pretty clear if you are set at the closer position or if you have a gaping hole at the bottom of your lineup. The position is growing more and more important in fantasy baseball and is always worth taking a closer look at. Each week of the season I will dissect the closer position; by evaluating injuries, looking at position battles, and reviewing some future stars. Below is the week 4 edition of my fantasy baseball closer report:

The Med Room:

Andrew Bailey, BOS – The Bo-Sox brought Bailey in this off-season to maintain the closer role, but after having surgery to repair a ligament in his thumb on April 4^th, Bailey will still be out another couple months. Boston has tried to go with Alfredo Aceves as their closer, but his embarrassing 24.00 ERA has the fans at Fenway clam-oring for Bailey’s return.

Superstar in the Making:

Henry Rodriguez, WSH – As stated a couple weeks ago, this kid was going to be the man in Washington and in the last week he proved that he was exactly that. “Hen-Ron” has devastated hitters in Washington with a ridiculous 9 strikeouts in just over 7 innings and the kid still has not given up a run this season. Rodriquez is easily the closer to own for the Nationals right now.

On the Rise:

Addison Reed , CHW – Reed has been impressive in limited time on the mound this season. He has a flawless 0.00 ERA along with a very intimidating .785 WHIP, but the team appears to be set with Hector Santiago holding down the closer role for now. Reed is only 23 years old and still has a very bright MLB future ahead of him, but the team will have to decide where he fits in. For now, he is worth stashing in deeper leagues in case he finally wins the closer role in the South side.

Job In Jeopardy:

Frank Francisco , NYM – “Franky F” has been severely struggling in the last two weeks, while his setup man, Jon Rauch has been immaculate this season. Francisco started the season by converting 3 straight saves and posting a 0.00 era, but in his last three appearances alone, he has seen his ERA ballooned up to a horrid 8.53. He was recently passed up for Rauch in the team’s last save opportunity, so it appears that the wheels to change the closer have already been put in motion.

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