Closer Report: Bet On Black

We’re about to flip the turn cards of the fantasy season as September approaches. A well-placed gamble on a potential closer can be a winning bet. We all need more saves from any place we can get them. Here are seven lucky numbers that might become a jackpot.

• I like being able to root for my fantasy players. Ray Black is someone to root for. He’s had to endure Tommy John surgery, knee surgery, a broken hand from as a victim of a robbery; labrum surgery, and an elbow scope on his path to the majors. Black is a fireballer that could survive the unfriendly confines of Miller Park. The Brewers are also looking for a right-handed complement to Josh Hader lately.
• Sam Tuivailala is another reliever that’s had less than great luck in the health department. He tore his achilles tendon last season after coming over to Seattle from St. Louis. He rehabbed it and made his 2019 debut on July 16, giving up two runs on three hits. Those were the only runs he’s yielded with six scoreless appearances since. There’s a great chance he’s closing for the Mariners if keeps this up.
• The Giants didn’t quite empty their bullpen at the trade deadline but the arms they did move were righties. That leaves Reyes Moronta as the only RHP they like in high leverage spots. This is kind of a big deal since Will Smith has become somewhat shaky closing. We could see Moronta getting save looks in favorable matchups.
• Andrew Cashner notched a save this week out of necessity more than anything. I’ve always said Cashner has the stuff to make a serviceable closer with either his sinker or if he could dust off the old slider he put away a couple of years ago. It’s bizarre Boston has let it come to this in their pen.
• There’s hope for Nick Pivetta truthers yet. He converted a save recently, before giving up some runs. One of those was in a three-inning appearance so I’m willing to give him some leeway. The once deep Phillies bullpen has been culled by injuries. Nicky P isn’t all that far from regular work as a closer if things break his way.
• Giovanny Gallegos has been dynamite for the Cardinals. He hasn’t given up a run in the last thirty days and has 12.4 K/9 on the year. Carlos Martinez isn’t a model of health and Andrew Miller has been funky for some time now. There are hurdles but Gallegos could get into the saves mix.
• The Nationals figured claiming Greg Holland worked out fine last year so why not spin the wheel again. Sean Doolittle just mentioned feeling fatigued. He’s never been great at handling a large workload. The Nats have an entire stable of former closers put out to pasture. Holland has the most recent success despite his stumble.

Craps

Plenty of action and some of the best odds on the floor. Plus you can ask someone to blow on your dice without looking like a total dick.

Blackjack

There’s at least some measure of skill involved here. Push too hard and you’ll bust, though.

Roulette

The extra zero whacks your odds more than most people realize. At least you get to watch the pretty ball spin.

Keno

What, was the track closed? The lowest denominator of degenerate invests here.