Taylor Buchholz could become the closer for the Rockies if they trade Brian Fuentes in a deadline deal.

Mixed League Options

Taylor Buchholz – Relief Pitcher – Colorado Rockies – How far the mighty Rockies have fallen this season. A series of injuries to key players since Spring Training, and a steep drop off in the quality of their starting pitching have conspired to leave the Rockies in the unenviable position of going first to worst after representing the National League in the World Series just last season. That makes them sellers as the trade deadline approaches, and speculation has any number of players being dealt, including current closer Brian Fuentes. His departure opens the door for another member of the bullpen to step into the closer’s job. Taylor Buchholz has arguably been the most effective member of the Rockies bullpen, and should get first crack at the gig. He sports an ERA of just 1.36, a microscopic 0.75 WHIP, and batters are hitting a paltry .154 off him. He currently works in the setup role, more often than not pitching in the 7^th or 8^th inning, and he’s accumulated 15 Holds thus far. Stash him away on your bench now, or better yet, plug him into your pitching lineup for some blank innings and strikeouts while your waiting for him to inherit the closing job.

Matt Garza – Starting Pitcher – Tampa Bay Rays – Garza came over to the Rays from the Twins in the Delmon Young trade, and had a somewhat rocky start to the season. His ERA over the first 10 starts of the season was 4.21, and batters hit him at a .250 clip. He had 32 strikeouts in the first 57 innings, but walked 24 and coughed up 6 home runs. Garza had several excellent games in that stretch, but he also had some real stinkers in there. Contrast that with his last five starts; his ERA is cut almost in half at 2.18, with batters only able to manage a .186 average against him. He has 26 strikeouts in 33 innings, and only 5 walks in that stretch. He’s also cut down on the long ball, having surrendered only 3 in the last 5 starts. While all those numbers look great, it’s his peripheral numbers that are showing a vast improvement in his skills, making him an attractive pitcher to target in mixed fantasy leagues. Garza plies his trade for the top team in the AL East and looks primed for a good second half. If he’s on your waiver wire he won’t disappoint if you go ahead and add him.