March 9, 2014
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs signed Jose Veras to a one year deal and he should start the season as their closer. The Cubs used Pedro Strop as their primary set-up man after they traded for him towards the end of last year and he should resume that role again to start 2014. Hector Rondon was mentioned as a potential closer, along with Strop, prior to the Cubs signing Veras. Arodys Vizcaino might be a guy to keep an eye on as he is a youngster with electric stuff. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Jose Veras, Set-up – Pedro Strop, 2nd in line – Hector Rondon.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CHC | Jose Veras | Pedro Strop | Hector Rondon | Pedro Strop | 3/9/14 |
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Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman is already one of the best closers in baseball and could be even better this year now that he feels more at home off the field. J.J. Hoover and Sam LeCure will see time in the 7th and 8th innings. Jonathan Broxton is working his way back from injury but could factor into the late innings if he proves he is healthy. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Aroldis Chapman, Set-up – J.J. Hoover, 2nd in line – Sam LeCure.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CIN | Aroldis Chapman | J.J. Hoover | Sam LeCure | Aroldis Chapman | 3/9/14 |
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Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson quietly converted 28 of his 32 save opportunities last year and will begin the season as the closer for the Brewers. Brandon Kintzler was one of the better set-up men in baseball the second half of last season. The Brewers also brought back K-Rod and he could jump ahead of Kintzler if something happens to Henderson, based on his closing experience. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Jim Henderson, Set-up – Brandon Kintzler, 2nd in line – Francisco Rodriguez.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| MIL | Jim Henderson | Brandon Kintzler | Francisco Rodriguez | Jim Henderson | 3/9/14 |
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Pittsburgh Pirates– Jason Grilli is the closer for the Pirates and was very good when healthy last season. However he is 37 years old and missed time last year with a right forearm injury. Luckily for Pirates fans they have Mark Melancon, and his 1.39 ERA, waiting to step in if anything happens to Grilli. Tony Watson should round out the back end of the Pirates bullpen. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Jason Grilli, Set-up – Mark Melancon, 2nd in line – Tony Watson.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PIT | Jason Grilli | Mark Melancon | Tony Watson | Jason Grilli | 3/9/14 |
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St. Louis Cardinals– At age 23, Trevor Rosenthal had one of the best seasons of any closers last year and will start the year as closer in 2014. Jason Motte is coming back from Tommy John surgery and might not be ready for the start of the season but should see time in set-up role if he is ready to go. Kevin Siegrist, and his 0.45 ERA, will be used in the 7th and 8th innings. Carlos Martinez is competing for a rotation spot but could factor into the late innings if he ends up in the bullpen instead. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Trevor Rosenthal, Set-up – Jason Motte, 2nd in line – Kevin Siegrist.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| STL | Trevor Rosenthal | Jason Motte | Kevin Siegrist | Trevor Rosenthal | 3/9/14 |
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