OK, I think it’s safe to say that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have the single worst luck developing bullpens of any team in the majors.Just when they thought they had done something right, Al Reyes ends up on the DL, and the Devil Rays are left with the single most anemic group of so called relievers in the majors.The lowest ERA of any of the other guys is in the mid 5s.So, where does this leave them for the long haul considering that a “strained” rotator cuff often leads to long-term disability for pitchers?Well, lets look at the options…oh, sorry, there are none.Don’t get too excited by Gary Glover being touted as the guy that will get the bulk of save opportunities.He is simply the guy with the lowest ERA out of the bullpen.Manager Joe Maddon really doesn’t have many choices.The good news is that Glover did record his first save opportunity the other night.The bad news is that he carries a 5.32 ERA and allows far too many hits to be effective long term in the closer role.Yet, all of this is a moot point given that the Devil Rays don’t win much anyway.An intriguing named that popped up in a couple of rumors this week was Brad Lidge out of Houston.Oh, that would be a great match adding another injury situation to their current closing situation, and don’t think the Devil Rays are willing to give up any of their future for the guy.

Speaking of Lidge, things are heating up in the sweepstakes to grab him.Several teams have begun the Lidge watch in hopes that he regains health and form and can switch teams to become a dominant set up guy for a contender.Despite the reemergence of Manny Delcarmen of late, the Red Sox seem overly anxious to snatch Lidge from the Astros.Look for the other contenders to take a serious look at him over the All Star break as he makes a brief rehab stint with the Astros’ Double-A affiliate.The knee seems to be fine at this point, and the Astros continue to baffle with their commitment to the Dan Wheeler regime.Look for Lidge to move before the trade deadline and most likely become a super set up guy for the rest of the season like he has been for the Astros.

After having a terrific month of May that included a 0.73 ERA for the month, Colorado closer Brian Fuentes hit a wall at the end of June as I reported last week, and, guess what, they finally admit there is an injury issue.Fuentes had given up eight earned runs in his last four outings, which included four straight losses and blown save opportunities.He didn’t give up an earned run in one of the outings, but even that was deceiving because he still gave up the winning runs to lose the game.After giving up only six hits in nine outings before those four appearances, he gave up 11 hits over his last 2.1 innings.Considering recent situations that are similar, the struggles that Derrick Turnbow, Jose Valverde, and Francisco Cordero encountered in the past couple of years before regaining their forms, it is wise to keep a close eye on him for the near future.The mild lat strain that he is nursing shouldn’t keep him down for long, and he is a very attractive possibility for a set up guy for the contenders as the trade deadline looms.A likely replacement for Fuentes will be Manuel Corpas, but he hasn’t been officially named at this point.  

Overall closing statistical leaders

RISING/FALLING

Rising

Antonio Alfonseca, Philadelphia Phillies

Time to give the man his due.He may not strike people out anymore, but he maintains a solid ERA in the high 3s and is holding the fort down nicely in Philadelphia.Move him to tier 3 for the moment.

Falling

Brian Fuentes, Colorado Rockies

Gone off the radar for now and maybe for the future as a closer.The injury may not be severe, but the hit to his career certainly looks harsh.

Al Reyes, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The curse of the Devil Rays strikes again.Move him off the charts until word comes back as to the true severity of his injury.

THE RANKINGS

TIER ONE: THE BEST

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

Billy Wagner, New York Mets

Francisco Cordero, Milwaukee Brewers

Jason Isringhausen, St. Louis Cardinals

JJ Putz, Seattle Mariners

Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

Takashi Saito, Los Angeles Dodgers

Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels

Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks

TIER TWO: JUST A NOTHC BELOW THE BEST 

Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs

Bobby Jenks, Chicago White Sox

Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres

Kevin Gregg, Florida Marlins

Eric Gagne, Texas Rangers

TIER TREE: GETTING THE JOB DONE 

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Chad Cordero, Washington Nationals

David Weathers, Cincinnati Reds

Joe Borowski, Cleveland Indians

Bob Wickman, Atlanta Braves

Matt Capps, Pittsburgh Pirates

Octavio Dotel, Kansas City Royals

Alan Embree, Oakland Athletics

Jeremy Accardo, Toronto Blue Jays

Antonio Alfonseca, Philadelphia Phillies

TIER FOUR: SHAKY, BUT CLOSING  

Todd Jones, Detroit Tigers

Chris Ray, Baltimore Orioles

Brad Hennessey, San Francisco Giants

Dan Wheeler, Houston Astros

INJURED


Brian Fuentes, Colorado Rockies – 15 Day

Al Reyes, Tampa Bay Devil Rays – 15 Day

Brett Myers Philadelphia – 15 Day

Tom Gordon, Philadelphia Phillies – 15 Day

BJ Ryan, Toronto Blue Jays – 60 Day (Out until 2008)

Huston Street, Oakland Athletics – 15 Day

Have a question or comment for Jamie? Email him at jamierugg@sportsgrumblings.com.