Who will be the surprise closer in MLB this year?

Answer 1

Roger Clemens.

Answer 2

some of these answers are the most ridiculos things I've heard regarding baseball in quite a while.

First Kerry Wood WILL NOT close for the Chicago Cubs. The opitions for the Cubs include Dempster, Bob Howery, and Scott Eyre. Larry Rotschild and Lou Pinella will not look to pressure Kerry Wood the way that the position of closer pressures pitchers. It is the hope of the Chicago Cubs franchise that Kerry Wood will eventually be able to return to the starting rotation.

Second Roger Clemens will not be a closer. Numerous sources have reported that he has already mentioned he doesn't want to play. He went on to say that IF a team, on his short list, and injuries and called in May that he might return. The injuries would have be in the starting rotation, plain and simple.

I think the surprise closer will be either:

1. Clevland Indians: Joe Borowski

with Keith Foulke announcing his retirement within the last week the job is almost certain to go to Borowski. The Indians have spent the offseason compling a team that should be able to contend in the Central and therefore Borowski will have his chances to rank up save after save.

2. Look for Cinni Red's non-roster invitee Eddie Guardado to make a big splash. The Red's website reports that the position is wide open and that Eddie had 13 saves last season. With no one on their roster clearly capable of leading this playoff destined team look for Eddie to prove his ability.

3. In the Royals bullpen a competition for closer is bound to happen. If Dotel can stay HEALTHY he is clearly the closer. However, I doubt he can stay healthy and look for Todd Wellemeyer to make an impact as a closer for the Royals

Answer 3

Takashi Saito of the Los Angeles Dodgers will have the greatest impact as a closer in MLB this season. Last season he came out of the bullpen not expected to close and generally not expected to do well as a 36 year old rookie. Having converted 24 of 26 save attempts last season he not only made an impact, but opened some eyes. I feel he will get double that number in this coming season, especially with the acquisition of Jason Schmidt as well as Randy Wolf. This will provide Saito with more overall opportunities to close games and being the Dodgers run scoring potential is limited he will have to step up to close out those close games.

Takashi Saito 45-50 saves

Answer 4

Guardado won't be able to play til after the All-Star break at the earliest. I would bet on Papelbon returning to the closer spot after a couple of failed attempts to plug in Piniero and Timlin there. Also look for Brian Wilson to close for the Giants in place of Benitez since he can't play a full year.

Answer 5

O. Dotel of the K.C. Royals. He used to be a stud. This might be his comeback year. He already has been named the closer. The Royals stole him from the Yankees, who wanted him to set-up Rivera. He just might reach 30 saves, which would shock everyone. He has reached 30 a couple or few times before with the A's.

Answer 6

I would go with Eric Gagne; the guy still has incredible stuff and his drive is huge. With a 40-save season he will be the unanimous surprise closer.

Answer 7

Chad Corderro, Nationals

Answer 8

Eddie Guardado

Answer 9

Kerry Wood

Answer 10

SAito of the Dodgers will save 45