MLB Closers and Saves Update (Week 18)

Raged on Roids

I want to start off by saying that what Ryan Braun did is wrong, especially the fact that he lied about using steroids, HGH or any PED.  The point of all of this is that I am completely exhausted with the media's constant obsession with the the latest PED news. Do we really need to hear about every single instance of a player being accused of using PEDs?  This is getting out of hand.  It seems as though the media feeds off of negative energy.  I’m so tired; I need to hear more about the positive aspects of baseball.

In my mind there are only two ways to get rid of this nonsense:  1. Ban users for life from baseball or 2.  Let them use PEDs.  Honestly, I couldn't care less which choice is made but it needs to be made and it needs to be made soon.  Let’s get on top of this before baseball becomes the past instead of America’s pastime.

Personally, as a fan of fantasy baseball and the MLB I would choose to just let them use PEDs!  I know the baseball purists are going to hate this argument, but what else is there?  If the penalties don't get stricter, then players will continue to work the system in order to get paid.  Let us not forget that we put these athletes up on a pedestal and we expect so much of them.  So if they use HGH to stay healthy, to hit the ball a little farther or to throw harder, is it really that big of a deal?

As of a reader of mine, you should have an understanding of when I am joking and when I am serious.  And all seriousness aside, I think that Daniel Tosh puts it best on the use of steroids:  “I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids.  I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create!  Let’s go!  Anything that will make you run faster, jump higher!  I have High-Definition TV!  I want my athletes like my video games!  Let’s go!  I could care less if you die at 40.  You hate life after sports anyways.  I’m doing you a favor.”

Rant of the Day

I was at the WXPN Festival in Camden, New Jersey this weekend specifically to see Trampled By Turtles, the John Butler Trio and The Lumineers.  It was an absolutely amazing day, but whoever came up with the idea of tossing a beach ball around during the festivities is an absolute moron!  Maybe we should look at banning beach balls instead of PEDs.  Because frankly if I could afford PEDs than you can fill in the blanks.  Alright, so I went a little absolute tyrant there, let’s get back to reality and discuss the latest closer debacles.

Yeoman’s Work

Bobby Parnell:  Despite the percolating trade rumors, Parnell is most likely staying put as the Metropolitans closer.  If Parnell were to get moved there are no obvious replacement choices behind him to take over the ninth.  LaTroy Hawkins has been working as the setup guy, but he is 40 years old and it’s very doubtful they would use him to close.  My dark-horse sleeper for saves in this pen if Parnell gets dealt would be David Aardsma.  Aardsma has had some closer experience during his days in Seattle and could very well get the job done as a stopgap option.

Sergio Romo:  Romo is firmly entrenched as the Giants closer without any indications that he will lose his job.  Some writers consider Romo to be an elite closer-- he sure is good, but I wouldn't go that far.  The lack of velocity and the limits of his secondary pitches could eventually become an issue.  That said, he is in no danger of losing his job, but we as fantasy owners have to keep in mind the alternatives.  His obvious replacements would be:  Sandy Rosario, Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez and Jeremy Affeldt (currently disabled).  Heath Hembree is a name to keep in mind if Romo gets hurt or completely falls apart for some reason.  Assuming that they do not reacquire Brian Wilson, Hembree has the closer of the future tag and could be an interesting add later this season or in dynasty leagues.

Balks

Brad Ziegler:  Apparently Ziegler is the closer for the time being, who woulda thunk it?  This will not last long; mark my words.

Kevin Gregg:  It was announced last week that Pedro Strop would take over as closer once Gregg was moved.  Don’t say that I didn’t warn you, I have touted Strop since the Cubs acquired him.  Money in da bank, son!

Rex Brothers:  Closing once again for the Rockies and hopefully for good now!

Kenley Jansen:  is still Nailz!

Steve Cishek:  Owners of Cishek, please hold-- most likely not getting traded unless they get blown away with an offer.

Jim Henderson:  Welcome back sir!  John Axford owners still need to monitor this situation.

Mark Melancon:  The new closer of the Pittsburgh Pirates, needs to be owned in all leagues.  Another situation in which I warned you guys about weeks ago.  Hopefully you took my advice and stashed Melancon.  Grilli out for 8 weeks!

Huston Street:  Luke Gregerson is getting more offers then Street so he might be staying in San Diego.

Drew Storen:  With the news of Storen getting sent down Tyler Clippard was not happy about how they handled Storen.  After the firing of their hitting coach and now this, trouble in our countries capital?

Jose Veras:  Rumors are still being circulating about Veras getting traded but I am starting to wander if this will happen.  If Veras does get traded than the most popular replacement is Jose Cisnero but he has not been pitching that great as of late and I have a feeling that Hector Ambriz would be the fall back plan.

UPDATE: shortly after this piece was released, Jose Veras was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for OF Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.

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