Chasing Saves: Setup Men Who Could Close

Some fantasy owners start the season knowing they will be chasing Saves as they dumped the category on draft or auction day. Others are forced into the situation because of injuries. Today, I will rank setup men according to the number of saves they could get this season. It is not a talent rank, even though talent is tie-breaker in some cases. I am only looking at saves. It is a solid list, but it will change sometime in the near future. For fantasy teams chasing saves, stay up on the current information -- @closernews is a great Twitter follow for the latest closer-only news.

1. Ken Giles - Phillies
RH, 12 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.35 ERA

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon
RH, 9.3 K/9, 2 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.67 ERA

Giles, a stud setup man with a projected 12.0 K/9, will be closing for the Phillies at some point this season. The Phils already tried to trade Papelbon to the Brewers, but the deal fell through. Papelbon may not lose much value if traded. He could easily find himself the closer for his new team.

2. Brett Cecil - Blue Jays
LH, 11.1 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.16 ERA

Closer: Aaron Sanchez
RH, 7.4 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.54 ERA

This one is tough to wade through, but here is what we know:

• Cecil will be in the bullpen, possibly as the closer.
• Sanchez may or may not be in the bullpen.
• Sanchez may or may not keep a starting spot if given the opportunity.
• If Sanchez moves back to the bullpen, he may or may not be given the closer's role.

I would grab Cecil in a heartbeat as a closer. Picking up Sanchez is not a horrible move as he may become a good starter. Like the next two pitchers on the list, I might look to pick both up in a shallow league, let the situation resolve itself and then keep or drop either as needed.

3. Andrew Miller - Yankees
LH, 14.3 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.44 ERA

Closer: Dellin Betances
RH, 12.2 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.54 ERA

Neither stud reliever has officially got the closer role, but I think it will eventually go to Betances. But it might not. Either pitcher is going to put up great rate and strikeout numbers from the setup role. In a shallow league, I might take them both and drop the non-closer. In a Holds league, there is no fear in picking up either. Two top-10 relievers battling for the closer role and the winner is you if you play your cards right.

4. Tyler Clippard - A's
RH, 9.3 K/9, 3 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 2.66 ERA

Closer: Sean Doolittle (Out)
LH, 10.4 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.77 ERA

Both of these pitchers have been good in the past. I would not be surprised if Doolittle was given back the closer role once he returns. The only issue would be if he can't pitch as well as he did in the past when he returns. I like Doolittle, if the price is low enough, as an early season DL stash.

5. Jenrry Mejia - Mets
RH, 8.7 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 3.57 ERA

Closer: Bobby Parnell
RH, 7.4 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.35 ERA

Both of these two should be owned in all leagues. Parnell is out (elbow) and expects to come back as the closer. The Mets have stated Mejia is the closer and will keep the job as long as he is productive. Mejia is projected to walk 4.1 batters per nine innings, which is just too many walks for a closer and could eventually cost him the role. I could see them split saves over the season, which in deep leagues could be huge.

Bonus: Jenrry Mejia is the top-rated relief pitcher with starting pitcher qualifications. For people in most leagues this is no big deal, but it is a huge deal in those leagues where this player can be exploited. These pitchers are useful in leagues with daily lineup changes and starting and relief pitcher slots. When a starter has a day off, plug him a SP qualified RP and hope to get a few counting and rate stats. It also helps if the league has an innings cap, thereby making these innings even more valuable.

6. Brad Boxberger - Rays
RH, 12.1 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 2.71 ERA

Closer: Jake McGee (Out)
LH, 11.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.62 ERA

For now, it seems like Boxberger will get the saves in Tampa until at least early May with McGee (elbow) out. Since McGee's issue is arm related, I could see his return be delayed or him not immediately come back 100 percent healthy. Boxberger has put up nearly elite level stats, so I don't see him struggling as a closer. Additionally, I talked to someone who covers the Rays, and he got the impression the Rays may keep all the previous roles the same and use Balfour for saves until McGee comes back.

7. Kevin Quackenbush - Padres
RH, 10.1 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 1.91 ERA

Closer: Joaquin Benoit
RH, 10.3 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.07 ERA

Benoit is dealing with a shoulder issue, so if the season started now, Quackenbush would close. Quackenbush has the talent to be a closer, and I expect him to be the Padres closer eventually if he can stay healthy. There is a slim chance Shawn Kelley may emerge as the closer.

Bonus: Brandon Maurer
RH, 10.1 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, 0.3 HR/9, 1.80 ERA
With seven games started in 2014, Mauer could be one of the top starting pitchers with the chance of getting saves.

8. J.P. Howell/Joel Peralta - Dodgers
Howell: LH, 8.2 K/9, 4 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.33 ERA
Peralta: RH, 10.2 K/9, 3 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, 3.90 ERA

Closer: Kenley Jansen (OUT)
RH, 12.9 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.35 ERA

The main issue with these two setup men is we aren't 100 percent sure which will close. Projections have Peralta as the better pitcher, and he is also a righty (few lefties close). Finally, the Dodgers might want to keep Howell available for matchups. All these items in favor of Peralta are moot if he can't pitch because he is currently dealing with some soreness.

9. Jason Grilli - Braves
RH, 10.2 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.33 ERA

Closer: Craig Kimbrel
RH, 13.2 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 1.41 ERA

I like Grilli's chances for eventually picking up some saves for a couple reasons. Kimbrel is the Braves' top trade asset when they are out of the playoff picture in May. Closers bring good value midseason, and Kimbrel will be no exception. Also, I am not sure how long Kimbrel can physically keep throwing like he has; he will eventually end up on the DL. One reason Grilli is not higher on the list is I could see him struggle or be on the DL also (a DL trip in '13 and '14).

10. Adam Ottavino - Rockies
RH, 9.4 K/9, 3 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.38 ERA

Closer: LaTroy Hawkins
RH, 6 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.47 ERA

I still don't get how Hawkins is a closer. His strikeouts and walks are comparable to Jeremy Guthrie. Overall, Ottavino is the better pitcher and I expect him to eventually get some saves this season. The only reason I don't have him higher is I expect him to have some Colorado-inflated stats.

11. Sergio Romo - Giants
RH, 9.2 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, 3.1 ERA

Closer Santiago Casilla
RH, 7.1 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.09 ERA

These next few setup men are all better than the regular closer, have closed before and are good it. Casilla got the closer role when Romo (shoulder) was out last season. Romo is just waiting for Casilla to falter.

12. Danny Farquhar - Mariners
RH, 10.4 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.95 ERA

Closer: Fernando Rodney
RH, 10.3 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.97 ERA

Farquhar owners should just wait until Rodney hits a rough patch or gets hurt to be the closer. My biggest worry is Farquhar could give back the closer's role at some point also.

13. Luke Gregerson - Astros
RH, 8.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.09 ERA

Closer: Chad Qualls
RH, 6.9 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.44 ERA

Gregerson is a better pitcher than Qualls. Neither is elite, so if Qualls loses his job, he might be able to earn it back.

14. Tanner Scheppers/Kyuji Fujikawa - Rangers
Scheppers: RH, 7.7 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 2.66 ERA
Fujikawa: RH, 11.2 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.41 ERA

Closer: Neftali Feliz
RH, 7.6 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.00 ERA

Several large issues exist that could knock Feliz out of the closer's role. He just dealt with Tommy John surgery, his fastball is down 3 mph from its peak and he only had a ~6 K/9 last season. He is just not the same pitcher as before. I am not sure, though, Scheppers (injury, lack of talent) and Fujikawa (injuries, lack of closing experience) will be rushed into the closer role.

Bonus: Tanner Scheppers is another relief pitcher who may end up with saves and has starting pitcher qualifications.

15. Will Smith/Francisco Rodriguez – Brewers
Smith: Hand: L, 10.8 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.10 ERA
Rodriguez: R, 9.9 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 1.4 HR/9, 3.25 ERA

Closer: Jonathan Broxton
Hand: R, 7.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.89 ERA

Broxton is the closer I could see getting replaced first during the season. The problem is that Smith is not really closer material. He is basically a dominating LOOGY with a 1.71 FIP last season against lefties. His FIP jumped to 4.31 against righties. The Brewers signed Francisco Rodriguez on Thursday to join in-house options Jeremy Jeffress or Tyler Thornburg to back up or replace Broxton.

16. Mike Dunn - Marlins
LH, 9.9 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.36 ERA

Closer: Steve Cishek
RH, 10.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.82 ERA

I think Cishek has a lock on the closer role while on the Marlins. Cishek would be a good trade chip if the Marlins look to sell later in the year, so Dunn could grab some late season saves.

17. Joakim Soria,/Al Alburquerque/Bruce Rondon - Tigers
Soria: RH, 9.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.56 ERA
Alburquerque: RH, 11.4 K/9, 4.7 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.12 ERA
Rondon: RH, 8.6 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.07 ERA

Closer: Joe Nathan
RH, 9.4 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.54 ERA

Joe Nathan is no longer an elite closer. I see him losing his job at some point in the season. The problem is guessing who will take over as closer. It has been reported Soria is the eighth-inning guy, but he has had some recent health and performance issues. Hopefully the situation will resolve itself soon.

18. Darren O'Day - Orioles
RH, 9.3 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 1.91 ERA

Closer: Zach Britton
LH, 7.7 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.31 ERA

Britton's best trait is his ability to keep the ball on the ground with his crazy sinker. As long as he can keep the home runs down, his lack of strikeouts won't be an issue. If a few balls begin to leave the yard or he has a few games of getting BABIP'ed to death, O'Day could fill in. O'Day should bide his time; he could be the closer since his skill set, besides the home run suppression, is better than Britton's.

19. Junichi Tazawa/Edward Mujica - Red Sox
Tazawa: RH, 9.3 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 2.76 ERA
Mujica: RH, 6.5 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 3.77 ERA

Closer: Koji Uehara: RH, 10.9 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 2.29 ERA

The Red Sox removed Uehara from the closer's role after he struggled for a bit toward the end of last season. He was replaced by Mujica, who performed just fine. Tazawa is probably the better pitcher now and could also get consideration. I believe it is Uehara's closer job to lose again, though. Since the Red Sox did pull the string on him last season, I think his job is somewhat tenuous.

20. Jordan Walden - Cardinals
RH, 10.9 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.06 ERA

Closer Trevor Rosenthal
RH, 11.6 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.91 ERA

Rosenthal should have this job locked down by now, but he has one huge issue to deal with ... walks. He allowed 5.4 BB/9 last season, which is almost near Neftali Feliz's strikeout rate. Those walks could come back to bite him and Walden could take over the closer gig.

21. Casey Fien - Twins
RH, 8.5 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, 3.72 ERA

Closer: Glen Perkins
LH, 10.1 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.00 ERA

This is almost a perfect case of the closer just being better than his replacement. Perkins' late-season injury has me worried a bit that he might not start the season 100 percent healthy. Fien is the last setup man on this list I would take a chance on right now for saves.

22. Wade Davis - Royals
RH, 12.7 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 0.3 HR/9, 1.52 ERA

Closer: Greg Holland
RH, 13.2 K/9, 3 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 1.66 ERA

Holland and Davis are probably in the top half dozen or so of relief pitchers. Holland's job is secure as long as he stays healthy and on the team. In a Holds league, Davis may be the top guy.

23. Tony Watson - Pirates
LH, 8.5 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.15 ERA

Closer: Mark Melancon
RH, 8.9 K/9, 1.3 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.15 ERA

We are entering the area where the closers have more talent than the setup man and no other issues, besides an unexpected injury, should change the situation. Melancon has the job and talent, so Watson is on the outside looking in.

24. Joe Smith - Angels
RH, 7.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.19 ERA

Closer: Huston Street
RH, 8.5 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 1.96 ERA

Street is the better pitcher and is the closer. Smith has a chance to close if Street happens to give up too many home runs in a short span.

25. Matt Thornton/Casey Janssen - Nationals
Thornton: LH, 6.9 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.14 ERA
Janssen: RH, 7.4 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.53 ERA

Closer: Drew Storen
RH, 7.8 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.59 ERA

Soren is locked in as the closer, but who would replace him is a little up in the air. Teams have been hesitant to use a lefty (Thorton) as a closer, but Janssen struggled mightily in 2014 with a 5.5 K/9 and an 89-mph fastball. I don't like the chances for either setup man to keep the closer's job if they happen to get it.

26. Evan Marshall - Diamondbacks
RH, 8.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.13 ERA

Closer: Addison Reed
RH, 9.7 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 1.3 HR/9, 4.14 ERA

Very little excitement can be generated from this bullpen. Addison Reed is an acceptable closer and Marshall is step down in talent. I would probably not pick up Marshall unless Reed begins to struggle with fly balls turning into home runs.

27. Bryan Shaw - Indians
RH, 7.8 K/9, 3 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.96 ERA

Closer: Cody Allen
RH, 11.1 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 2.35 ERA

Allen >>> Shaw. I will take a significant amount of suckitude or injury for Shaw to become the closer.

28. Jason Motte/Neil Ramirez/Pedro Strop - Cubs
Motte: RH, 9 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 1.3 HR/9, 3.19 ERA
Ramirez: RH, 10.4 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.55 ERA
Strop: RH, 9.9 K/9, 4 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.95 ERA

Closer: Hector Rondon
RH, 8.5 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9, 3.27 ERA

Rondon performed perfect fine in 2014. He blew only four saves last season while closing out 29 games. He projects to be the least talented of the four pitchers, but he has the job. My biggest issue is there is no defined No. 2. I could see any of the three step in and close if Rondon faults or gets injured. A person might as well go for a single handcuff.

29. Jumbo Diaz - Reds
RH, 8.7 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 3.21 ERA

Closer: Aroldis Chapman
LH, 16.6 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 0.4 HR/9, 2.05 ERA

This is Chapman's job as long as his arm can fire those 100-mph bullets toward home plate. Diaz would be a fine closer, but he is no Aroldis.

30. Jacob Petricka - White Sox
RH, 7.3 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.29 ERA

Closer: David Robertson
RH, 12 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9, 2.63 ERA

The White Sox didn't pay Robertson $40 million to set up. He is going to be the closer, and I only see a disabled list stint moving him off the role.