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JB’s Fantasy Baseball Closer Strategy: What do you do now?

By Justin Buckhanan

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 11: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during game two of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 11, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 11: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during game two of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 11, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – APRIL 08: St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (49) delivers a pitch against Los Angeles Dodgers during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers on April 08, 2019 at Bush Stadium in Saint Louis Mo. (Photo by Jimmy Simmons/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – APRIL 08: St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (49) delivers a pitch against Los Angeles Dodgers during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers on April 08, 2019 at Bush Stadium in Saint Louis Mo. (Photo by Jimmy Simmons/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Jordan Hicks: Could really ascend if he can control his 105 mph heater better. The issue is that for as hard as Hicks throws, he doesn’t strike out a lot of batters (78 in in 84.2 innings through his first two seasons. Control was the big issue last season, but Hicks is trying to get his command. St. Louis seems to be sticking with him although the Cardinals have other options if he falters.

2. Alex Colome: Proven established closer, although potentially stands to be dealt at the deadline

3. Raisel Iglesias: Excellent closer for a few years now, although role seems to be a little murkier with a new manager.

4. Greg Holland: Not sure he deserves to be on this list. He has been a dumpster fire the last couple seasons. Given the job after a lackluster spring training, which seems to say Manager Torey Lovullo likes him.

5. David Robertson signed on to be the man but didn’t take long for Hector Neris and Pat Neshek to get chances and there’s always Seranthony Dominguez hanging around. That’s to say nothing of Manager Gabe Kapler’s aversion to a true closer.

6. Matt Barnes or Ryan Brasier? Brasier or Barnes? Truth is nobody knows, not even Manager Alex Cora.

7. Trevor May looked to be first in line but that went to Taylor Rogers. Then Blake Parker seemed to take over and run with the job. Then Trevor Hildenberger got a save. Good luck trying to handicap this one.

8. Mixed Bag in Seattle: Hunter Strickland started strong, then got hurt. Anthony Swarzak seems primed to take over, but four pitchers have also gotten saves.

9. The Mess in Cubland: Brandon Morrow started the season hurt, then Pedro Strop went down. The team has only had one opportunity to date, so there no telling how that situation will shake out.

10. Kansas City: Seemed to be a vaunted Wily Peralta vs. Brad Boxberger battle. Then Ian Kennedy seemed to pop up and Richard Lovelady is now waiting in the wings. Team probably won’t win enough games for any of those options to be relevant.

11. Miami: Drew Steckenrider seemed to have some momentum towards the end of last year, beating out Kyle Barraclough, who was traded. Then the team signed Sergio Romo late into the offseason. Seemingly happy with neither option, Adam Conley seems to have a track at chances as well. Translation, stay away!

12. Baltimore: Toward the end of the year, Mychal Givens seemed like he was going to be next volatile closing candidate for the Orioles. But so far this year, four other players not named Givens have gotten saves. I have no idea what to even say about that so I will just end my column here.