Mound Talk

Is it too late for more sleepers? We don’t think so. Today we’re looking at some real late picks that could turn into closers this season.

Cla Meredith and Scott Linebrink. If Meredith or Linebrink have a good season, they could be shipped out of San Diego for a big stick. Both of these guys are good relievers to help with WHIP and ERA if nothing else.

Mike Gonzalez ought to become the closer in Atlanta’s suddenly good bullpen at some point this season. I don’t think anyone expects Bob Wickman to close all season and Gonzalez stands firm as the set up man entering the 2007 season.

Matt Capps, like the man he used to set up, Mike Gonzalez, enters the season as the set up man for a club with a shaky closer. I expect Capps to be the closer by the All-Star break in Pittsburgh, if not earlier.

Tim Lincecum will start the season with the Giants Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. But don’t expect him to stay there long. Amando Benitez can only stay in San Fran for so long before the Giants ship him elsewhere. If there are any buyers for relievers in the deadline market (and there always is) Benitez should be the first guy moved. Lincecum is being tried out as a starter but ultimately could become the closer sometime this season.

Cincinnati. It’s hard to pick out which mediocre pitcher is going to ascend to the closer role with the Reds so let’s just say the entire Reds bullpen.

Mike MacDougal will start as the set up man for Bobby Jenks on the South Side of Chicago. But Jenks will have a short leash this year as the White Sox finally have options in the ‘pen.

Tampa Bay. Unless you’re desperate for saves, stay away.

All of these guys represent valuable pawns in the chase for saves. As your players inevitably hit the DL, adding a few of these guys can help with your WHIP and ERA and eventually, hopefully, provide you with some saves.