National League

Updated January 19, 2012

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Arizona Diamondbacks - J.J. Putz returns as the Diamonbacks closer this season, but the team has certainly fortified its ranks on the chance of an injury again.  David Hernandez, who filled in nicely last year, returns as the primary set-up man with Craig Breslow, Brad Ziegler and Takashi Saito waiting in the wings.

Atlanta Braves -  Craig Kimbrel returns for his sophomore season fully entrenched as the team’s closer.  Johnny Venters will assume his usual set-up role and obviously if anything happens to Kimbrel, he’ll be the first in line for saves.

Chicago Cubs – Once again it’s Carlos Marmol for the ninth innings with Kerry Wood as the primary set-up man.  Barring anything catastrophic, this is how it should remain all season long.

Cincinnati Reds -  A bold move for the Reds who opted to cut ties with Francisco Cordero and brought in, what could be the steal of the offseason in Ryan Madson.  The former Phillies closer should do just fine in the Queen City and will have Aroldis Chapman and Nick Massett as his primary set up men.

Colorado Rockies -  After years of dealing with Huston Street’s injuries, the Rockies and Street have parted ways.  It looks like Rafael Betancourt will begin the season, or atleast the spring, as the team’s new closer but Rex Brothers could turn into an interesting sleeper to watch.

Houston Astros – With Melancon gone, the job defers back to Brandon Lyon.  He’s not the greatest choice, so if you are going cheap with saves and end up with him, consider handcuffing him to Wilton Lopez who could make for an interesting choice.

Los Angeles Dodgers -  Javy Guerra finished out 2011 as the team’s closer and it looks like the job will remain his for atleast the start of the 2012 season.  Kenley Jansen and Matt Guerrier appear to be the next in line, but the Dodgers could also think about bringing in some one like Cordero as well.

Miami Marlins – The Marlins did some big spending this offseason and brought in Heath Bell to take over closing duties.  The also did tender a contract to Juan Oviedo (the pitcher formerly known as Leo Nunez), so if Bell’s dropoff last year was indicative of anything bad, the team is covering its bases.

Milwaukee Brewers -  The Brew Crew will leave John Axford in the role of closer again in 2012, so even with last season’s addition of Francisco Rodriguez, his job is safe…..for now.  You never know in some cases, so it’s always nice to have the handcuff, but it doesn’t look like anything is changing in the near distant future.

New York Mets -  The Mets did a little reconfiguring in their bullpen this offseason and are now walking into the 2012 with Frank Francisco as their top option to close.  They also added Jon Rauch as an insurance policy.  In addition to that there are dark horses Bobby Parnell and Pedro Beato who could have the opportunity if disaster strikes somehow.

Philadelphia Phillies -  For whatever reason, the Phillies opted to let Madson walk and ended up throwing a bunch of money at former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.  He’ll take over as the team’s top closer with Brad Lidge assuming the lead set up role.

Pittsburgh Pirates -  Joel Hanrahan has done a solid job since finally being handed the reins two years ago.  His K-rate may have diminished in 2011, but not enough to the point where the Pirates are looking at anyone else.  Evan Meek should remain one of the top set-up men and likely first option if anything happens.

San Diego Padres -  Now that Bell is gone, the Padres ended up bringing in injury-risk Huston Street to close out games.  He’s the guy to own to start the season, but keep and eye on Luke Gregerson who was supposedly heir-apparent before Street came to town.  Also look out for my dark horse candidate Brad Brach.  He could be a very interesting choice somewhere down the line.

San Francisco Giants -  Brian Wilson once again comes into the season as the team’s closer and, barring injury, will remain as such this season.  He is in a contract year and will be doing everything he can to perform well, so the elbow injury risk will be there as he pushes himself this season.  If you draft Wilson, you’ll likely want to keep tabs on Sergio Romo who would be next in line.

St. Louis Cardinals -  Now that Tony LaRussa is gone, perhaps the bullpen will be in less of a state of flux this year.  It appears as if Jason Motte has the inside track on the job right now, but he will obviously have to beat out Fernando Salas, Mitchell Boggs, Eduardo Sanchez and maybe even Kyle McClellan this spring to hold the gig.

Washington Nationals -  After all the late season/offseason fuss about the Nats trading away their closer, Drew Storen is staying put and will walk into the 2012 season as the team’s closer.  Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard and Henry Rodriguez will handle the set-up duties and Burnett could be the first guy in line if anything happens to Storen, but for now, draft with confidence.