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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Week 9

Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Week 9

Stability.

It’s not a word that we often associate with the closing landscape, and it’s certainly not the word we would use to describe it this season. By my count, eleventy-billion closers have lost their jobs at some point already. Fine, it’s 15. But still, that’s a lot.

But not this week. This week was as calm as my kids when I threaten to take away their iPad-minis if they say one more word. I mean, the closest thing we had to controversy was the Padres acting like Brandon Maurer really is their closer after all. Boring.

Nevertheless, even in a drama-free week, there’s plenty to talk about. So let’s take a look at this week’s closer report.

Bookmark our Closer Depth Chart for updated coverage throughout the season partner-arrow

Team (Closer) Current Rank Previous Rank
Dodgers (Kenley Jansen) 1 1
Red Sox (Craig Kimbrel) 2 2
Cubs (Wade Davis) 3 3
Rays (Alex Colome) 4 4
Rockies (Greg Holland) 5 5
Blue Jays (Roberto Osuna) 6 6
Indians (Cody Allen) 7 7
Royals (Kelvin Herrera) 8 8
Astros (Ken Giles) 9 9
Giants (Mark Melancon) 10 10
White Sox (David Robertson) 11 11
Cardinals (Seung-Hwan Oh) 12 13
Rangers (Matt Bush) 13 14
Mariners (Edwin Diaz) 14 23
Mets (Addison Reed) 15 12
Yankees (Dellin Betances) 16 15
Nationals (Koda Glover) 17 29
Orioles (Brad Brach) 18 17
Brewers (Corey Knebel) 19 18
Twins (Brandon Kintzler) 20 16
Marlins (A.J. Ramos) 21 21
Reds (Raisel Iglesias) 22 19
Tigers (Justin Wilson) 23 24
Braves (Jim Johnson) 24 25
Pirates (Tony Watson) 25 20
Diamondbacks (Fernando Rodney) 26 26
Angels (Bud Norris) 27 22
Phillies (Hector Neris) 28 27
Athletics (Santiago Casilla) 29 28
Padres (Committee) 30 30

The Big Movers

Welcome back, Edwin Diaz. Five straight scoreless appearances, zero runs allowed, 7:2 K:BB ratio, and two saves in two chances. Now, let’s be clear – the notion that Diaz is going to be the next Kenley Jansen or Aroldis Chapman is almost certainly a pipe dream for this year. He has enormous potential but let’s allow the kid a full season to grow into his role. At the same time, the Mariners clearly do and should want him to be their closer, so he jumps up quite a few spots.

The other big movers are the Nationals and Koda Glover, who jump from 29 to 17. I believe this is the first time the Nationals have sniffed a number not starting with a two or three all season. Here’s what we know: Dusty Baker wanted Glover to be the closer to start the season but was talked out of it by the front office. Glover got off to a slow start, likely because of injury, and went on the disabled list. Glover has been lights out since returning from the disabled list. Glover has been named the closer. Glover converted all four of his save chances this week. The only thing not to like about this situation is that the Nationals are going to the playoffs, and there is no doubt they will bulk up their bullpen via trade at some point. And considering that they once replaced their relatively inexperienced closer who was having an awesome season (Drew Storen) for a more experienced closer who was having a mediocre season (Jonathan Papelbon), there’s a good chance that Mike Rizzo is calling the White Sox about David Robertson right now. But for now, it’s Glover’s job, and you should enjoy the ride.

Random Musings

Craig Kimbrel has a 54.2% strikeout percentage this season. Sit there for a minute and let that sink in. I am half expecting him to raise his arms, look up at the crowd, and ask, “Are you not entertained?” after every save.

Corey Knebel has a 44.9% strikeout percentage this season. That’s a mortal number compared to Kimbrel, but still, it’s fifth in the league and nobody really talks about the kid. A 1.04 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and one of the quietest dominant seasons we’ve seen in awhile.

Brandon Kintzler blew his second save of the season, which finally gives me enough ammo to move him down a few spots. He’s fine. But those lack of strikeouts seem a little more annoying now that his peripherals don’t look so hot.

Tony Watson is still the Pirates’ closer. But he’s a mediocre pitcher on a mediocre team who is likely to be dealt. There’s a place for guys like this in the pantheon of closers. It’s 25th out of 30.

Obligatory mention of Fernando Rodney. Still getting it done. Still in no danger of losing his job. But will never climb higher than like 22nd or something. That’s just how life works.

I’m just not sure about the Angels’ closing situation. My honest guess – and that’s just what it is – is that they keep Norris as the closer even when Huston Street and Cam Bedrosian come back. Street’s trade value likely won’t be much even if he performs adequately. Bedrosian’s arbitration numbers stay lower if he’s not the closer, and Mike Scioscia would probably prefer to deploy him as he sees fit. But it legitimately could be any of those three guys, so the Angels situation has to drop a bit.

I’m still labeling the Padres situation a committee, despite Brandon Maurer getting and converting the last three save opportunities. I don’t know what Andy Green will do with the next save chance, particularly if it’s a lefty-heavy set of hitters coming up in the ninth and Brad Hand hasn’t been used yet. Either way, all these Padres relievers are probably getting dealt at some point this season. I’m avoiding.


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Dan Harris is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Dan, check out his archive or follow him on Twitter at @danharris80.

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