Here’s a look at the Closer Tiers and their job security heading into the 2014 Fantasy Baseball Season. You can stay up to date on our Closer Updates Page, and follow @LegionReportMLB for instant Closer news, injuries and updates.
100% Secure:
There are only 2 closers to start the season with 100% Total Job Security. These guys are not only over-drafted Fantasy Studs, but they’re lock down closers that have no chance of being replaced long term by their backup.
Kimbrel, Nathan
Very Secure:
Their are 6 closers at the “Secure” position heading into the 2014 season. These guys have long leashes, but decent replacements if absolutely needed. These 6 closers are still safe to draft as Number 1 Closers.
Chapman, Holland, Perkins, Jansen, Perkins, Romo
Secure:
These guys walk a line with little wiggle room for error. Either they have strong replacement options, or they’re yet to conquer the role of “proven closer.” Either way, be happy with one of these guys as your Number 2 Closer.
Johnson, Janssen, Robertson, Grilli, Balfour, Papelbon, Cishek, Rosenthal, Uehara
Walking The Line:
This is where the drafting of Closers becomes an unstable Carrousel of risky plays. These guys have the potential to get 20+ saves, but also sky rocket your ERA and WHIP. They’ve had both proven and unstable past’s. When their confidence is “shook,” there’s no coming back.
Parnell, Frieri, Rodney, Henderson, Reed, Soriano, Street
One Shot:
4 Closers get the “One Shot” label. They’re continuously walking thin ice as they have no job security whatsoever. These guys will be available late, but Owners Beware, You’re in for a Scare!
Axford, Veras, Hunter, Hawkins
Job Battles:
TEX – Feliz/Soria/Scheppers – Feliz’ velocity has been down this Spring, consistently hitting 92MPH. Expect Soria to open up with the job.
HOU – Crain/Qualls/Albers/Fields – Qualls is the favorite to win this Closer Role as Crain is likely to open the season on the DL. I’d stay away from this mess, however
CWS – Jones/Lindstrom/Webb – Jones is going to run away with this job. He threw 89 K’s in just 78 innings of work last season, and is having a dominant Spring as he has yet to give up an Earned Run.