Panzram
03-15-2006, 04:23 PM
RP Ryan Dempster, Cubs
After making six starts to open the season, Dempster flourished in the closer's role. He converted 33-of-35 opportunities, posted a 1.85 ERA, and held opposing hitters to a .218 average. Even Mariano Rivera would take those numbers and call it a successful season. However, Dempster continued to have some control issues, walking 27 batters over his 58.1 relief innings. He struggled to a post-All-Star WHIP of 1.43, and relievers generally aren't effective when they put that many men on base. History also isn't on Dempster's side. A pitcher hasn't led the Cubs in saves in consecutive seasons since 1994-95 (Randy Myers).
RP David Weathers, Reds
Danny Graves and the back end of the Reds' bullpen felt apart early in 2005, and Weathers led the committee of arms that attempted to keep the relief corps afloat. Along the way, the veteran journeyman picked up 15 saves, and since the Reds failed to land a closer this winter, Weathers entered spring training with the same role. As such, fantasy owners might see him as a reasonable source of 20-ish saves in 2006 and call his name during their draft or auction. Don't make that mistake. The Reds want Weathers to be a setup men, and they'll be searching for someone else (Todd Coffey? Ryan Wagner? Matt Belisle?) to take over the ninth inning this spring and throughout the season. We'll be surprised if Weathers retains the role too much longer or reaches double-digit saves.
Jesse Crain | RP | Minnesota Twins
Had a great rookie year, but unlikely to win another 12 games and has a disturbingly low strikeout rate.
Jose Mesa | CL | Colorado Rockies
A long-standing example of why being a “closer” doesn’t always mean a whole lot, he’ll be lucky to keep the ERA in single digits as a Rockie.
Bob Wickman | CL | Cleveland Indians
Had a great 2005 season, but is now 37, had a mediocre strikeout rate, and is only back in Cleveland because the Indians couldn’t sign Trevor Hoffman.
After making six starts to open the season, Dempster flourished in the closer's role. He converted 33-of-35 opportunities, posted a 1.85 ERA, and held opposing hitters to a .218 average. Even Mariano Rivera would take those numbers and call it a successful season. However, Dempster continued to have some control issues, walking 27 batters over his 58.1 relief innings. He struggled to a post-All-Star WHIP of 1.43, and relievers generally aren't effective when they put that many men on base. History also isn't on Dempster's side. A pitcher hasn't led the Cubs in saves in consecutive seasons since 1994-95 (Randy Myers).
RP David Weathers, Reds
Danny Graves and the back end of the Reds' bullpen felt apart early in 2005, and Weathers led the committee of arms that attempted to keep the relief corps afloat. Along the way, the veteran journeyman picked up 15 saves, and since the Reds failed to land a closer this winter, Weathers entered spring training with the same role. As such, fantasy owners might see him as a reasonable source of 20-ish saves in 2006 and call his name during their draft or auction. Don't make that mistake. The Reds want Weathers to be a setup men, and they'll be searching for someone else (Todd Coffey? Ryan Wagner? Matt Belisle?) to take over the ninth inning this spring and throughout the season. We'll be surprised if Weathers retains the role too much longer or reaches double-digit saves.
Jesse Crain | RP | Minnesota Twins
Had a great rookie year, but unlikely to win another 12 games and has a disturbingly low strikeout rate.
Jose Mesa | CL | Colorado Rockies
A long-standing example of why being a “closer” doesn’t always mean a whole lot, he’ll be lucky to keep the ERA in single digits as a Rockie.
Bob Wickman | CL | Cleveland Indians
Had a great 2005 season, but is now 37, had a mediocre strikeout rate, and is only back in Cleveland because the Indians couldn’t sign Trevor Hoffman.