One week into the season and we already have our first official closer change. While it wasn’t the exact move I was hoping for, Joaquin Benoit is still a big upgrade over Jeanmar Gomez. But still, #FreeHectorNeris. We also saw a few more 9th inning situations become a bit more clear, such as in Oakland, where they cut their number of “closers” in half, now only committing to 2 guys, Sean Doolittle and Santiago Casilla.
Let's dive into the weekly Closer Ranks and see where everyone stacks up:
TIER 1: Nothing Compares 2 U
1. Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers)—Grant Dayton, Sergio Romo
2. Aroldis Chapman (New York Yankees)—Dellin Betances, Tyler Clippard
3. Edwin Diaz (Seattle Mariners)—Dan Altavilla, Nick Vincent
4. Zach Britton (Baltimore Orioles)—Brad Brach, Mychal Givens
Neftali Feliz was just dropped in my 10team roto. I have the #1 priority and my “closers” are light with Jansen, Andrew Miller, Neris, Reed, Casilla, and Bush. I’m not crazy to blow the top waiver on a guy like Feliz am I?
No not at all. I would probably drop Reed for him. That gives you at least 2 and half closers, plus 3 high upside setup guys who could all potentially see save chances at some point this season.
Thanks Rick… could also drop a bench bat in either Heyward (was hoping for a rebound) or Mark Reynolds (have Desmond on the DL)
Given Reed will probably be replaced when Familia returns I’d probably still drop him. Though Reynolds would be a close second, since he is bound to come back to earth, won’t play all his games at home, and Desmond will eventually replace him as well.