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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Closers on the move?

Posted by Derek Carty at 5:19pm

We're now a third of the way into June, and we're beginning to hear more and more trade rumors. Lately, there have been quite a few rumors surrounding closers that, if traded, would have significant fantasy ramifications.

Huston Street: The fact that GM Dan O'Dowd's contract is up at the end of the season muddy's things a bit, but if there is a firesale, Street will very likely be gone. It was reported last month that O'Dowd's job would probably be safe.
Next-in-line: Manny Corpas. Unlucky so far this year, but surface numbers have been better of late and will improve as the deadline approaches.

Jose Valverde: Astros aren't contending and have had no problem trading their best relievers in the past.
Next-in-line: LaTroy Hawkins, unless...

LaTroy Hawkins: There's also talk of the 'Stros trading Hawkins, perhaps to the Twins.
Next-in-line: Felipe Paulino has a ridiculous 2.17 gmLI and has both the skills and surface numbers to make him a strong bet if both Valverde and Hawkins are traded. Tim Byrdak and Doug Brocail are other possibilities, but neither has been good this year.

Chad Qualls
: With how the D'Backs are playing, trading their closer has now become a real possibility.
Next-in-line: Most likely Tony Pena (who may also be a trade candidate). Dark horses might be Jon Rauch or Juan Gutierrez.

Kerry Wood: Less likely than the rest given his big contract and slow start to 2009.
Next-in-line: Jensen Lewis's ERA (5.46) isn't pretty, but he was the choice last year and he's been used in the highest leverage situations. Rafael Betancourt's 2008 bad luck has reversed, but he will be out for several weeks. Consider Tony Sipp a dark horse.



Derek Carty, 23, has also been published by NBC's Rotoworld, Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports, and USA Today. This season, he'll be contributing to FanDuel and will be linking to all of his work at DerekCarty.com. In his three years competing in expert leagues, he has won 2 titles with 4 top three finishes, including a LABR NL title in 2009, making him the youngest person to ever win a major expert league title. Derek is a proud graduate of the MLB Scouting Bureau's Scout Development Program and is a firm believer in the importance of combining stats and scouting. He welcomes questions via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.


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