Another Look at Closers: National League

Last night, I went around the American League and looked at five bullpens of interest. Tonight, I'll do the same with the National League.

Arizona: As long as he's healthy, Chad Qualls is going to close games in Arizona, but Qualls admitted last week that he's been pitching with a sore forearm and he expects the pain to linger all year. This isn't a good sign, particularly for a team that's way out of first in the N.L. West and could feasibly shut Qualls down if the injury persists. Speculation in the Roto community is that Tony Pena would close if Qualls can't, but I think it would be Jon Rauch. After a terrible April, Rauch has settled in, putting up a 3.26 ERA with a 1.241 WHIP from May forward. By contrast, Pena has struggled in June with a 9.00 ERA and a .348 BAA. Pena might be the better pitcher, but remember, managers tend to go with the hot hand, not the cold one. If Qualls goes down, I'd look for Rauch to get the first few opportunities.

Chicago: Kevin Gregg has been predictably "meh." He's getting the saves, but his 4.13 ERA is boring, his 1.45 WHIP is bad, and his 1.59 HR/9 rate is the kind of thing that gives managers migraines. However, the story in this bullpen has been the implosion of Carlos Marmol. Thanks to his heat, Marmol's overall numbers are fine, but he's walked 30 batters in 30 1/3 IP. Lou Pinella says he still trusts Marmol, but I suspect that Marmol's on a short leash. If something happened to Gregg, I actually like converted starter Angel Guzman for the last three outs. His numbers are good, his peripherals are nearly perfect, and he has a wicked split against left-handed hitters...a plus for a righty.

Colorado: There was a lot of hand-wringing about Street at the beginning of the year, but he more than proved himself as the Rockies closer. The only knock is the HR, but given his strong K/IP rate, even that is forgivable. Unless there's a trade, I'd imagine that Street would close here for the rest of the year.

Florida: Like Marmol, Lindstrom has had a significant problem with walks; one that is so significant that there are more frequent rumors out of Florida that Lindstrom might lose the job. Freddy Gonzalez gave Lindstrom a vote of confidence, but if Lindstrom continues to struggle Leo Nunez might get the call. One thing to consider here is that this is one of those odd situations where Lindstrom is 12-for-14 in save opportunities. Yes, the stat doesn't speak to how bad Lindstrom has pitched, but to some major league managers, it's all that matters. I think Lindstrom would have to go on a streak of 2-3 blown saves to lose the job.

Washington: Mike MacDougal was buried so far down on the White Sox bullpen depth chart that there were some people in the stands who had a better chance of picking up the stray save than he did. But now he's the closer in Washington, saving back-to-back games against the New York Yankees, of all teams. MacDougal throws hard, still doesn't have great control, but has gone on hot streaks before. I guess he's the closer, but given that Manny Acta changes closers the way some people change their pants, I still wouldn't spend much in trade to get MacDougal.