I am looking for suggested up and coming Relief Pitchers that are inexpensive but are considered for a possible good year. Right now I am looking at Herges-LA,Fox-MIL,Williams-PIT,Guardado-MIN,Wakefield-BOS,Brower-CIN, andFarnsworth-CHC.

Of course I don't know if these will be the closers yet but any and all opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Deadman31]

Hi. I think I can help you
Herges- I think he has a good shot to close this year, but he blew alot of saves last year
Fox- He is the closer as of right now, but he needs to stay healthy
Williams- closer,
Guardado- closer
Wakefield- Probably will swing back and forth between RP and SP
Brower- garbage
Farnsworth- This kid is worth watching especially now that Gordon is out. He should split saves with Fassero for now, but he will be their only closer very soon

[elliotmag]

I'm assuming you want GOOD relief pitchers and not necessarily "possible closers", and who will be cheap-ish.

Guardado as the MIN closer wont be cheap, but Mike Jackson, a veteran closer backing up, could get some valuable saves.

Rich Garces has never been the Boston closer but he has had 3 great years as a set-up man (havent checked the numbers, but I think its something like 19 wins), and while Urbina is the closer but only since post-AllStar break last year.

Paul Shuey - count on him to get hurt at least twice during the year, but when he isnt hurt he gives you great ERA, WHIP, and K rates.

[Pitbull]

Here are some others who could figure in also.

Todd Rollercaoster Jones. He is reunited with ex-Tiger manager Bell so he will get save oppotunities.

The Mariners want to trade Alfonseca so Looper and Nunez could figure in if he is traded.

Herges is part of a closer by committee so Quantrill will figure in there too.

Don't count Leskanic out either as Fox has a history of injuries and could return to that role again.

Dave Veres if he gets traded is another possibilty.

The O's has Roberts only until they get sick of him. Groom will probably get saves there and the sleeper pick there is Ryan.

dont waste your time on Todd Jones, while i like him, and he is a good reliever, he is now pitching in Colorado

So he is now useless, even if he gets the closers role away from Jose Jimenez

[Deadman31]

Originally posted by Pitbull
Here are some others who could figure in also.

Todd Rollercaoster Jones. He is reunited with ex-Tiger manager Bell so he will get save oppotunities.

The Mariners want to trade Alfonseca so Looper and Nunez could figure in if he is traded.

Herges is part of a closer by committee so Quantrill will figure in there too.

Don't count Leskanic out either as Fox has a history of injuries and could return to that role again.

Dave Veres if he gets traded is another possibilty.

The O's has Roberts only until they get sick of him. Groom will probably get saves there and the sleeper pick there is Ryan.

Isnt Leskanic hurt?

[Yaz]

Avoid the pricey names (Nelson, Stanton, garces, Mecir) that, at least in my league, can end up costing you as much as a starter.

Here's some young AL relivers that are good, and that will be cheap:

BJ Ryan

Travis Phelps

Casey Fossum

Jerrod Riggan

Matt Ginter

David Riske

Carlos Zambrano

[Pitbull]

It's true that Leskanic won't be ready opening day and Fox should assume the closer role. Fox hasn't proven that he can stay healthy so if he were to get hurt again then it is very possible for Leskanic to close again as the Brewers do not have any other ready to assume the role. Leskanic won'r go for much so bidding a buck or two or if your league has a reserve roster isn't much of a gamble.

[Pitbull]

Originally posted by Psycho Scotsman
dont waste your time on Todd Jones, while i like him, and he is a good reliever, he is now pitching in Colorado

So he is now useless, even if he gets the closers role away from Jose Jimenez

That is the point of this thread - cheap closers. Jones can be gotten cheap, Jimenez could lose his job and if that happens Jones is next in line. When you compare both Jimenez and Jones there isn't much difference between them. Both walk too many. Both have a good k/9 rate. As far as being useless if Jones were to get 10 plus saves he would be worth something.

Thanks got great stuff. Now I am sworn to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I am in a challenge point count league where era and whip do not count. I know it is not pure put I like it for its simplisity. Closers though important could be where I save big bucks allowing me to spend more money on hitters. Since non of us can have the perfect team no matter how you buy - the best bang for the buck - and overall production is where it counts. I average my starter production points and go for the best average based on my salery cap. Catchers and Relievers seen the best area to save dollars. With the exception of Johnson and Shilling, the remaining pitchers (point wise) fall into the same point area so it seems to me that it matters not who I have as long as the points warrent signing and the salary meets the cap. Again-you have all been helpful, my tentative relief line up so far is -
Anderson,Matt
Fox,Chad
Herges,Matt
Williams,Mike
Comments welcome.