N.L. Post Trade Bullpens

Yesterday, I wrote about the impact of major league baseball's deadline deals on bullpens in the American League. Today, I'll look at the N.L.

Braves: Theoretically, Bob Wickman should continue closing. However, the fact that the Braves were contemplating trading him to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth should tell you something. I don't foresee a true co-closer situation, but I do think that Dotel could get 30-40% of the saves depending on how Wickman performs the rest of the way. Dotel's thrown very well since coming of the DL, so he's definitely worth a healthy FAAB bid in any event. Royce Ring is a fantasy non-entity. I can see why the Braves, who are making a big-time run this year, gave up Wil Ledezma for him, but Ring is a specialist who won't amass much value in that role.

Phillies: Julio Mateo might be useful for the Phillies, but he's a flyball pitcher who gave up a lot of home runs in a pitcher's environment. You don't want him at CBP.

Brewers: Though he wasn't acquired on deadline day, Scott Linebrink should split duties with Derek Turnbow setting the table for Francisco Cordero. Linebrink was becoming a little home run prone in San Diego, but his prominent role should help him maintain some of his value.

Dodgers: Scott Proctor should pitch exclusively in middle relief, and won't have a ton of fantasy value. He does have a rubber arm though; if you're in a league where you have to carry a certain number of starters and relievers, he'll put up some more Ks than the average middle man purely based on innings pitched.

Given the number of contenders looking for relief help, it was surprising that more moves weren't made. Pitchers like Jon Rauch who were supposed to be moved stayed put. Perhaps the market price for Eric Gagne discouraged further trades, but it's more likely that bad teams have bad bullpens (would you want Mike Macdougal or David Aardsma from the White Sox?) and it doesn't make sense to add a warm body just for the hell of it.