It seems as though everyone is looking for saves off the wire this time of year. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, there could be some current closers moving to another team into a setup role or a closer role. Either way, that means that somebody will need to step in and close for the departed player. There are quite a few players that could be on the move, in line for a promotion or a demotion depending on who goes where.
Leo Nunez- Jack McKeon is not thrilled about the prospect of losing Nunez via trade but he has said that Edward Mujica would be next in line. “He comes in and pretty much goes right after you,” McKeon said. “That’s part of being a good closer. He doesn’t get intimidated.” Sounds like Mujica is a solid speculation add right about now and should be available in most leagues.
Heath Bell- He has been rumored to being traded for a while now so don’t be surprised if he moves. Mike Adams is the obvious candidate to take over the closer duties. Bell could close still depending on where he lands. The Blue Jays are interested in him since they could use him at closer for the rest of the season and try to work out a long term contract with him. Another option is they could offer him arbitration and hope he accepts it or take the two draft picks if he doesn’t accept and signs with another club at the end of the year. This would be great for Bell owners. For more on the Bell situation read here.
Mike Adams- Here is another guy who has been rumored to be on the move also. This trade seems unlikely though as most teams will scoff at the Padres’ asking price of two top 100 prospects since Adams would still be under team control next year. But, if Adams is on the move, Luke Gregerson would be the most likely candidate to fill in with the off chance that Chad Qualls could get a shot if he himself isn’t traded.
Jason Isringhausen- The Mets have come out and said that they may not want to trade Izzy just yet since he could be a good mentor for Bobby Parnell, the team’s closer of the future. Parnell would be a good stash in keeper leagues and a nice speculative add for August on.
Brandon League- This one I don’t really see happening simply because the Mariners really don’t have another option but David Pauley with the news that David Aardsma is now done for the season and most of next year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. I’d hold off on grabbing Pauley just yet until it looks more like League could be traded.
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