American League

Boston Red Sox -  Jonathan Papelbon is still the man in Beantown and he should continue to produce as one of the top closers in the game.  In case of injury, I’m sure Hideki Okajima could fill in or possibly even Daniel Bard, but that’s a concern for another day.

Chicago White Sox -  FANTASY UPDATE:  Well, it finally came to a head on the South Side last night after Bobby Jenks blew another save chance (his 2nd in his last 4 appearances) and cost the Sox the game and apart of their newfound division lead.  Ozzie Guillen says that he is going to a closer by committe situation now, so Jenks’ value plummets.  Personally, I’d rather see them use J.J. Putz for the ninth, but they’ll likely go to Matt Thornton a number of times first.  For more on this situation, check out my latest article on SouthSideSwingers.com.    

Cleveland Indians -  FANTASY UPDATE:  Last week the Tribe was forced to put Kerry Wood on the 15 day DL with a blister on his finger, leaving Chris Perez as the ninth inning guy again.  Cleveland was looking to deal away Wood at the non-waiver deadline, but may be forced to hang on to him a little longer to make sure his health is up to snuff.  Either way, it looks like Perez should be the guy moving forward.  Wood won’t be in an Indians uniform for much longer so consider Perez a safe play for saves throughout the rest of the season. 

Detroit Tigers -  After trimming payroll, the Tigers went out and picked up a hired gun in Jose Valverde during the offseason and should have as dominant a bullpen as ever.  Valverde is healthy and should excel in the role, and couple that with Joel Zumaya as his set up guy and you’ve got serious heat coming out in the late innings. 

Kansas City Royals -  The Mexecutioner, Joakim Soria, not only remains the closer for the Royals, but is listed in fantasy baseball magazines as one of the top closers in the game.  If he gets hurt at all like last season, then expect Juan Cruz to fill in, but be confident that we won’t have to see that again.

Los Angels Angels -  Despite earlier struggles, Brian Fuentes remains the Angels closer and Fernando Rodney, his primary set-up guy.  Fuentes actually hasn’t allowed an earned run since June 20th and has 8 saves in that time, giving him 18 on the year.  Barring injury, he should be a safe play the rest of the season. 

Minnesota Twins -  It seems that Jon Rauch is as locked into the job as he can be here.  Ron Gardenhire has been very happy with his choice of closer and Rauch, with the exception of a bump or two in the road, has been more than a solid fantasy choice thus far.

New York Yankees -   It’s all Mariano Rivera, all of the time.  Barring injury, he’ll be gettin geach and every opportunity.

Oakland A’s  -  Andrew Bailey came out of spring training fine after a quick scare and has finally nailed down his first save of the season.  He’ll continue with the job, but don’t expect a repeat of last year’s totals.

Seattle Mariners -  The job was finally nabbed by David Aardsma last season and that looks like the way it will stay this year.  The Mariners didn’t do much to shore up their pen this offseason and the only potential competition, Brandon Morrow, is now in Toronto.

Tampa Bay Rays -  After years of struggling to find a closer, the Rays finally picked one up in free agency.  Goodbye closer-by-committee, hello Rafael Soriano.  He was a solid option last season after he took over the job in Atlanta and should do very well for himself in his new home.

Texas Rangers -  Neftali Feliz is 25 for 27 in saves chances this season, and despite a rough outing here and there, it doesn’t look like he’s losing the job to Frank Francisco anytime soon.  I’d like to see his K-rate increase a little, but you can’t argue that he hasn’t been a seriously valuable asset for the Rangers this year.  

Toronto Blue Jays -  FANTASY UPDATE:  Despite looking absolutely atrocious since the All Star Break, Kevin Gregg still seems to have a hol don the closer’s job in Toronto.  His 3.93 ERA is rough, but he’s got 21 saves on the season and with the Jays shopping a guy like Scott Downs, it doesn’t look like they’re too concerned about their bullpen issues this year.  If it gets any worse, then expect to see Jason Frasor get some work in the ninth, but I’ve heard his name thrown about in trade talks as well.