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Don't think for a minute if JJ Putz were to suffer an untimely injury that Chris Reitsma would automatically closer for the Mariners.
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The closer turnover will force many owners to reach for players out of
desperation, all for the single category of saves. First in-season rule of
thumb; don't trade for saves, and don't waste roster spots on the following:
For Worse
1. Chris Reitsma, Seattle: If J.J. Putz gets injured, as during
spring training, the Mariners would not depend solely on Reitsma, who has had
ample opportunity to stake claim to a closing role and has failed time and time
again.
2. Chad Qualls, Houston: Brad Lidge is on the trade block and
if Dan Wheeler struggles in his new role over the next month, Qualls
wouldn't automatically fall into the closer role. Qualls is the prototypical
journeyman who is best suited for seventh- and eighth-inning work. Home runs
have been an issue for him. The Houston reliever allowed 10 in 2006, and despite
his overall success that makes him a non-factor as a potential closer.
3. Jon Rauch, Washington: While Rauch has closer stuff, the Nationals
won't find themselves in many save situations, with or without Chad
Cordero. It's possible that this team could lose in the neighborhood of 115
games, leaving Cordero and Rauch overvalued in their current roles.
4. Mike Timlin, Boston: If there's one pitcher who could be overused,
or subject to injury, Jonathan Papelbon comes to mind. The reason the
team moved the young right-hander out of the ninth-inning role this spring was
because doctors feared that his health was in jeopardy. The Red Sox' coaching
staff wouldn't completely depend on the 41-year-old Timlin if Papelbon
experienced another shoulder setback; Seattle import Joel Piniero and
others would share the ninth-inning opportunities.
5. Derrick Turnbow, Milwaukee: Not only is Francisco Cordero
rock-solid secure as the Brewers' fireman, the coaching staff has lost what
faith it once had in Turnbow. The deep Milwaukee pen would share save
opportunities if Cordero were to suffer an untimely injury.
