21 November 2008, 2:08 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines There's not that long of a list of teams that are looking for closers. Here's the list: Mets, Indians, Brewers, Rangers, Tigers & Cardinals.Other teams that could be included are the Angels, Rays & Diamondbacks. The Cubs are turning the closer's role over to Carlos Marmol. Kevin Gregg is projected to be a set up man for the Cubs. He blew 9 out of 38 save opportunities last season so he's not exactly to be seen as a closer. The Angels are probably going with Arredondo. They're out of the K-Rod mix. The Padres are looking to turn the role over to Heath Bell. They pulled back their 4 million offer on Hoffman that he probably would have rejected considering he was paid 7 million last season. So they aren't looking for a closer. The Marlins obviously won't spend either and turnign it over to Lindstrom. Although Rauch ended somewhat poorly last season, the Diamondbacks are likely convinced he has enough experience and talent to take over as closer. It's not like Brandon Lyon's ERA was impressive. Plus he's a free agent anyway. If Arizona's to pursue anyone, it probably won't be anyone outside of Hoffman or Wood. The Brewers need a closer because Solomon Torres retired. They can't afford K-Rod though. They'll likely look to sign Hoffman at an affordable rate. The Indians will try to do so too. Both of these teams may look via trade at Putz, Street or Capps.The only teams out there with the money to give a closer at least 12 million a year (K-Rod, Fuentes) at least 3 years are the Mets, Rangers & Cardinals. The Cardinals don't want to over spend though because they consider their in house candidates like Chris Perez to be reliable.It'd be hard to imagine any team outside of the Mets being able to sign a closer to 4 years, nonetheless 5 years. Omar Minaya's playing his hand as wisely as he can here. I think it'd be very unwise to actually make a trade for a closer like Jenks or Putz. With the Cardinals looking to only go cheap (3 years or under), who really can provide K-Rod at least 4 years? Better yet, why would any team give him 4 years if there's barely even enough teams who are willing to give him 3 years? It is possible K-Rod will only end up with like 3 years/42 million. I think a semi-showdown may come with the Mets and Rangers (who may not believe in C.J. Wilson) and it may eventually take a 4th year for the Mets to sign him. What are your guy's thoughts though? It's true that Linebrink got 4 years... But the White Sox jumped in there too early last season. They over spent on relievers. Both him and Dotel...... Read More »
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