March 8, 2015
Arizona Diamondbacks – It’s safe to say that the closer spot was not a pillar of strength for 64-98, last-place Arizona Diamondbacks last season. The young and talented Addison Reed got worse in his switch from the American League to the National League, netting 32 saves but finishing an up-and-down season with a 4.25 ERA, and he’s recently come down with a bout of shoulder soreness that will keep him from throwing until mid-March. At this point, he looks fine to start the season, though righties Brad Ziegler and Evan Marshall or lefty Oliver Perez could step in if necessary. Holds seekers can also keep an eye on David Hernandez, who should be ready by May 1 after missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Reed | Ziegler | Perez.
Holds candidates: Ziegler, Perez.
Colorado Rockies – Yes, the Rockies still employ a closer that began his major league career (1995!) before some of our faithful Closer Monkey readers were born! I’m looking at YOU, LaTroy Hawkins. At 42, Hawkins will be the oldest active player in the big leagues this year, which will be his 21st and final season in Major League Baseball. Don’t let his age fool you. Hawkins had a solid year in Denver last season, collecting 23 saves and a 3.31 ERA. Still, keep an eye on the other late-inning relievers, including heir apparent John Axford, and last year’s up-and-down set-up duo, Adam Ottavino and Rex Brothers.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Hawkins | Axford | Ottavino.
Holds candidates: Axford, Ottavino.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andrew Friedman took his big-thinking mindset away from the small-market Tampa area and to sunny southern California, and when he arrived, he took a wrecking ball to a Dodgers team that won two straight division titles. Most important to the Closer Monkey is the injury to the electric Kenley Jansen, who will miss the first month of the season, with no clear replacement behind him. Brian Wilson is gone, leaving two recent acquisitions — Joel Peralta and Dustin McGowan — to duke it out with Brandon League for save chances. We think it’ll either be Peralta or League to start the season, with McGowan getting a look if they both struggle in the spring.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: | Peralta | League | McGowan.
Holds candidates: League, JP Howell.
San Diego Padres – Another NL West team in transition was the San Diego Padres, who added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and James Shields in a busy offseason. A much stronger lineup should present the team with more hold and save opportunities — assuming they actually have more leads — so consider a mid-round investment in closer Joaquin Benoit, who was excellent last year in his first season in the National League (1.41 ERA, 11 saves). Holds-chasers should take a look at Kevin Quackenbush, who could also inherit the closer role if Benoit struggles. The Padres also added Shawn Kelley from the Yankees and Brandon Maurer, a former starter with a big arm, from the Mariners.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Benoit | Quackenbush | Vincent.
Holds candidates: Quackenbush, Vincent.
San Francisco Giants – The defending World Series champions got a scare during the early going of spring training after closer Santiago Casilla was hit in the left shin by a batted ball. Reports indicate Casilla should be OK, but he will need to shake off a bruised shin and should be good to go on Opening Day. Behind Casilla is setup man Sergio Romo, who is dealing with shoulder soreness, of course. Manager Bruce Bochy says Romo should be fine. Romo, when healthy, and Jeremy Affeldt will be the most likely bullpen arms to pick up holds.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.
Holds candidates: Romo, Affeldt.
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