Enough is enough. It is now time to take a serious look at the painful and inconsistent performances of closers across the major leagues. I have been insistent in my columns about remaining patient with these guys, but there comes a time when you just can’t wait to see if they are going to turn it around. This is especially true if they are driving your fantasy squad into the ground so deep to begin the season that you may not have time to recover if you wait on them much longer.

This has been a highly unusual start for some, particularly the top dog of closers: Mariano Rivera. We have grown accustomed to Rivera starting slowly over the past few seasons, but it doesn’t usually involve imploding on this level and for this period of time. It is inevitable Rivera is going to hit the age where his skills will erode beyond repair, but now just doesn’t seem like the time despite his early season struggles. However, the numbers don’t lie. Go beyond his breakdown against the Red Sox, against whom he has had many over the years, and look at the incomprehensible game ending homerun he gave up to Marco Scutaro. Marco Scutaro? When did you think you would hear that name as a closer killer? Should you be nervous if he has a bad game against the Red Sox? No. Should you be nervous if he has a bad game against the Red Sox and gives it up to Marco Scutaro? Absolutely. The good news is that in five other appearances, he hasn’t given up a run in five innings pitched, and he has looked reasonably masterful even with his pitches looking a little flatter than usual. A good idea would be to start dangling him to other owners in the hopes of getting a younger closer in keeper leagues.

It isn’t just Rivera though. Look at the numbers of some of the other elite closers in the game. Tom Gordon has blown two saves, has an ERA of 5.68 and has been a WHIP mangler. The combination of Brad Lidge and Dan Wheeler has been gruesome in Houston especially with Lidge looking like a deer in headlights every time he takes the mound. Eric Gagne continues to struggle with his health. BJ Ryan and Octavio Dotel continue to ride the pine with stints on the DL. Joe Borowski continues to get saves for the Indians, but how many heart attack situations can you allow him to get you into before making a change? Jorge Julio…..well, no need to go there, something the Marlins should have said to themselves before making that trade.

All in all, the time has come to begin worrying. All bets are off with the guys that are struggling. I no longer preach patience. Instead, it is time to make assessments just like the major league clubs do, and decide whether or not you can continue to wait or need to get the best bang for your buck.

Here are some early season fantasy recommendations:

1. Trade Tom Gordon while he still holds strong appeal and has the possibility of turning things around. The Phillies are incredibly inconsistent as usual, and even though Gordon will most likely be solid, you can turn him into something better at this point with some nifty negotiating.

2. Ditto for Joe Borowski. If you only need saves from him, hold on to him. If you need other categories to stay strong in your hunt for the trophy, drop him as soon as possible.

3. If you are holding onto Eric Gagne or Jorge Julio for the “just in case” scenario then fine. If you are holding onto them because you need their production, you are royally screwed.

4. BJ Ryan will be back at a reasonable point in the season. Keep him as long as you believe you have him covered by other pitchers for the moment.

5. Don’t count on Brad Lidge for anything the rest of the way forward. Dan Wheeler is starting to lock himself into the position, and the Astros desperately need stability at the back end of the bullpen.  

6. Hold onto Mariano Rivera. His career is not over yet, and other owners are drooling at the prospect of getting him for a steal.

7. The jury is still out on Octavio Dotel. Healthy, he has the possibility of being a solid closer for a weak team. Don’t forget though, the A’s gave up on him for a reason, and they are one of the shrewdest teams at assessing future benefit and risk. The Royals on the other hand are not so good at assessing anything. If you simply have the extra roster spot on your bench, ride it out and see what you get.