Closer Conundrums........

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

Don't drink the water.....in the bullpen

Is there something in the water down in the bullpen? We are barely a week and a half into the season and fantasy teams are scrambling to fill their saves category.  What is an owner to do?  Hopefully you were lucky enough to be near the computer when the announcement of your closer visiting Dr. Andrews came through.  If this is the case you probably were able to gain first crack at the next in line for the job.  The problem is many of these situations are very cloudy.  The only one that seems to be sorted out already is in Tampa.

Kyle Farnsworth:
As mentioned above Farnsworth, who is slated to miss 4 to 6 weeks, has a direct replacement.  Fernando Rodney, who is a former closer himself, has nailed that job down.  Most thought that Joel Peralta was the guy but Rodney stormed past him early and has a tight hold.  Rodney is owned in only 52 percent of ESPN leagues and we feel that number is way low.  Add him immediately if you can.

Brian Wilson:
News broke yesterday that the flamboyantly bearded fireballer is going to undergo his second Tommy John procedure.  Word is Santiago Casilla is the odds on favorite to assume the role, but don't sleep on Sergio Romo if only because his beard is nearly as fantastic as Wilson's.  Casilla is the guy to grab and Romo only if you were a Wilson owner who missed on Casilla.

Andrew Bailey:
What a mess in Beantown.  After letting Papplebon walk the Sox decided to roll with the oft injured Bailey, who didn't even make it to the regular season before breaking down.  Yes we know this injury was of the freak variety but still.  In his place is two Yankee castoffs in Mark Melancon and Alfredo Aceves have been getting rocked ever since.  The call for Daniel Bard has begun.  I give it a couple more weeks of ineptitude for Aceves and Melancon before Bard's starting days are over.  Since Bard is probably already owned in over 90% of ESPN leagues you are probably out of luck.

Drew Storen:
Storen recently had chips removed from his aching bow and has a due date to return somewhere near the All Star Break.  Henry Rodriguez and Brad Lidge are alternating in the meantime.  It does seem to be a pretty even split so adding either is a good plan to get you an extra save or 2 a week.