March 9, 2014
Chicago White Sox – The White Sox traded their closer Addison Reed in the off-season and Robin Ventura has not announced who will take over his job for 2014. Nate Jones and Matt Lindstrom seem to be the favorites for the job but both are battling injuries so far. Jones should be the leading candidate, as he is 6 years younger, has a fastball in the upper 90s, and was 8th among relievers with 89 strikeouts last year. However, Robin Ventura proved that he is unpredictable when he let Hector Santiago start out closing 2 years ago. Rookie Daniel Webb could also be an option. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Nate Jones, Set-up – Matt Lindstrom, 2nd in line – Daniel Webb.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CHW | Nate Jones | Matt Lindstrom | Daniel Webb | Nate Jones | 3/9/14 |
.
Cleveland Indians –The Indians removed Chris Perez as closer at the end of last season and then cut him in the off-season. They brought in John Axford to close and they are hoping he is as successful at finishing games as he is at picking the Oscars. Cody Allen should serve as the primary set up man as he struck out 88 batters in 70 innings and finished with an ERA under 2.50 last season. Bryan Shaw and Vinnie Pestano could also be in the mix for saves if Axford struggles. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – John Axford, Set-up – Cody Allen, 2nd in line – Bryan Shaw.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CLE | John Axford | Cody Allen | Bryan Shaw | Cody Allen | 3/9/14 |
.
Detroit Tigers – Joaquin Benoit, who led the Tigers in saves in 2014, is gone but they brought in a pretty good replacement: Joe Nathan. Nathan is coming off an incredible year in Texas and will take over as closer for the Tigers. If anything happens to the 39 year-old Nathan, young flamethrowers Bruce Rondon and Al Alburquerque could step in. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Joe Nathan, Set-up – Bruce Rondon, 2nd in line – Al Alburquerque.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| DET | Joe Nathan | Bruce Rondon | Al Alburquerque | Joe Nathan | 3/9/14 |
.
Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland solidified himself as an elite closer last year, finishing the season with over 100 Ks and a WHIP under 1. Luke Hochevar was a solid set up man last year but he will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season. Kelvin Herrera should step in as the primary set up man, with Aaron Crow also seeing some time in the later innings. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Greg Holland, Set-up – Kelvin Herrera, 2nd in line – Aaron Crow.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| KC | Greg Holland | Kelvin Herrera | Aaron Crow | Greg Holland | 3/9/14 |
.
Minnesota Twins – The Twins will return most of their key bullpen arms from last year and didn’t make any big adds to their relief corps. Glen Perkins will be the closer again, with Jared Burton and Casey Fien setting him up. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Glen Perkins, Set-up – Jared Burton, 2nd in line – Casey Fien.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| MIN | Glen Perkins | Jared Burton | Casey Fien | Glen Perkins | 3/9/14 |
.
