With the twenty-second week of the fantasy baseball season upon us, its 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 22 edition of my fantasy baseball closer report:
Boston Battle:
Alfredo Aceves has been the closer for the Boston Red Sox for almost the entire season, but he has pitched utterly horrible this month. His last appearance, Aceves allowed 5 earn runs in a blown save against the Los Angeles Angels, which is most likely the real reason why the team suspended him for three games for “conduct detrimental to the team” . After all, what is more detrimental to a team than a closer blowing a save. Unfortunately for Aceves, it cost him his job as well, as Boston is reportedly giving Andrew Bailey the ball in the ninth inning. This all but kills Aceves’ fantasy value heading into the playoffs, so the veteran should be dropped at will.
San Diego Street:
Houston Street, San Diego Padres – After several weeks of rehabbing, and apparently throwing footballs, Street is finally ready to come off the Disabled List. The All-Star is coming back just in time for the fantasy baseball playoffs, and he will be a reliable closer to depend on for your championship aspirations.
Hot Hand in Hot-lanta:
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves – Kimbrel has been one of the best closers in baseball since bursting onto the scene last season. Kimbrel is second in the National League with 31 saves and has an almost spotless ERA of 0.64. Kimbrel also is fanning batters at record number, with 83 in only 47 innings of work. He has become one of the best in the business, even if the Braves are playing mediocre baseball.
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