Volatile closers on display in openers
THEY say the only certainties in life are death and taxes, but those of us who play fantasy baseball know we can add one more to the list — drafting closers is a nightmare. Whether you decide to invest heavily and draft the top tier or opt to bargain shop in the later rounds, rarely do you ever feel comfortable. The volatility at the position is maddening.
To make matters worse, a growing number of managers subscribe to the philosophy that baseball is a game of matchups and playing the percentages, so why not do the same when it comes time to close things out? Leading up to Opening Day, the Diamondbacks, White Sox, Angels, Rangers and Cardinals had yet to name a closer, and everyone knew the Giants’ Mark Melancon would open the season on the disabled list. These last two weeks of drafts have been riddled with speculation and outright confusion.
The Diamondbacks ultimately named Brad Boxberger their closer, the Rangers tabbed Keone Kela and the rumors of free agent Greg Holland signing with the Cardinals finally became a reality.
There was a collective sigh of relief, but unfortunately, as if to hammer home the point of volatility, Phillies manager Gabe Kapler t ur ned t he fa nt a sy community upside down when he suddenly announced a switch to a committee the night before the season opened.
Brad Brach, who was filling in for the injured Zach Britton, blew a save for the Orioles on Opening Day. Cam Bedrosian blew it for the Angels. Even Milwaukee’s Corey Knebel, considered a top-five closer entering the season, struggled in his season debut.
The season is just days old, and you already can hear managers tightening their leashes. Fantasy owners, you off icially are put on notice. No one is safe, and chasing saves on the waiver wire is your new full-time job.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 4-6 p.m.