Brian Fuentes

Fuentes began last season slow with a 6.52 ERA, four homers allowed and a trip to the DL for a sore back before May 19. He then turned his season around and had a 2.60 ERA and 28:14 K:BB ratio in 27.2 innings and converted 17-of-19 save chances in his next 28 games as the Angels' closer. The Angels traded him to Minnesota at the end of August, where he mostly worked in a setup role. Between the two teams his strikeout rate bounced back to 8.8 K/9IP from 7.5 K/9IP in 2009. He gave up a few too many home runs and walks, but he showed after his early back injury that he could still hold down the closer role. He was limited to eight games in September when his back locked up again, so the injury may be an issue at times in 2011. However, he's likely to work in a setup role after signing with Oakland. However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him work his way into the closer mix given his experience, if not his peripheral numbers.

His strikeout rate plummeted with the league switch, making this perhaps a case of a pitcher whose stuff didn't work against a tougher pool of hitters. Location was an issue as well, both out of the strike zone and, famously against Alex Rodriguez in the ALCS, within it. He's not going to save 48 games again; he may not save 48 the rest of his career. Invest your top-closer funds elsewhere.

One bad week cost Fuentes the closer role in 2007, so it was somewhat fitting that one bad week by his replacement, Manny Corpas, gave it back to him in April of 2008. After picking up 30 saves last season, the Angels opted to sign him to a two-year deal in December to take over their ninth-inning role following the departure of Francisco Rodriguez to the Mets. He should be a good option for another 30-plus saves given the number of opportunities available with the Angels.

Fuentes was dominant in 2007 until he suffered a strained lat muscle. He tried to pitch through the injury which led to four consecutive blown saves and ultimately cost him his job when Manny Corpas took over the closer role during Fuentes' time on the DL. Fuentes then took over the set-up role and returned to form. Fuentes is arbitration eligible and will likely command a high salary for a set-up man, which had the Rockies entertaining trade offers. If the Rockies don't deal him before the season he will begin the year in a set-up role. Expect him to be traded this offseason or at some point during the season before he becomes a free agent.

Fuentes had a solid second full season as the Colorado closer, saving at least 30 games for the second consecutive year. His strikeout rate was down a little and while his G/F rate regressed significantly (1.06 to an alarming 0.74), Fuentes remains by far the team's best ninth-inning option.

In 2005, Fuentes had one of the best relief seasons in Colorado history. His numbers were as good at hitter-friendly Coors Field as they were on the road, in part due to a deceptive sidearm delivery that has held hitters to a .234 BAA over his career. Fuentes will begin 2006 as the Rockies' closer, but it's worth noting that teams began to adjust to him during the second half last year. His ERA splits were 2.41/3.51 and his BAA .194/.242.

Home and away were night and day for Fuentes in his role as the Rockies left-handed set-up man in 2004. Opponents hit .326 off him in Denver, but only .197 on the road. He's a big, hard-throwing southpaw who needs to prove he can get righties out if he wants to have a consistent set-up job, and in his current situational role shouldn't be on most fantasy teams in 2005.

Fuentes is a big lefty who can flat out throw. He flourished last year and will likely be used in the same fashion this season. In other words, wins and saves will once again be hard to come by for Fuentes. The Rockies gave him a shot at the closer's job in September, and if they give him an extended audition in the ninth, he just might latch on and add a few saves to the rest of his impressive numbers. Even as a lefty middle-man, he's worth a look as a reliever in 5x5 leagues.

Fuentes hit his stride in September after struggling with his control in the summer. If he can build off that success, he can become the next Mike Myers.

Fuentes hit his stride in September after struggling with his control in the summer. If he can build off that success, he can become the next Mike Myers.