Let’s set our baseline for the closer hierarchy as spring evolves. There hasn’t been that much in the way of news and Craig Kimbrel remains unsigned. He’s therefore unranked. If he signs he goes in the top tier. I shoveled snow this morning, so you’re getting winter weather themed tiers.
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- One guy I’m coming back around on is Archie Bradley. He dealt with a fingernail issue last season that sapped some bite from his curveball. He recently said, “I’m throwing some hammers this year. I’m going to have one of the best curveballs in the big leagues.”
- I’m coming around on Matt Barnes. He should have the inside track to that job as the veteran.
- People are paying too much for Pedro Strop in my eyes. There’s almost no chance he has that job to himself all year.
- I’d be cautious on Jordan Hicks and Andrew Miller. With Carlos Martinez nursing an arm issue he might be moving into the pen.
- Some of the best pens to speculate on for early saves are going to be the Twins, Rays, and Mariners. All three team will be competitive. If someone takes the job and runs with it they’re a league winner.
Sunny And 60
All of the awfulness of winter is forgotten. You see people on the golf course. Spring is so close you can feel it. You might even break out some shorts.
- Edwin Diaz (Jeurys Familia, Robert Gsellman)
- Blake Treinen (Fernando Rodney, Joakim Soria)
- Kenley Jansen (Joe Kelly, Pedro Baez)
- Roberto Osuna (Ryan Pressly, Hector Rondon)
- Jose Leclerc (Jesse Chavez)
Cold, But Crisp
You may not be breaking out the speedo, but it feels refreshing when you step outside.
- Aroldis Chapman (Dellin Betances / Adam Ottavino / Zach Britton)
- Brad Hand (Danny Salazar)
- Felipe Vazquez (Keone Kela, Richard Rodriguez)
- Kirby Yates (Craig Stammen, Jose Castillo)
- Corey Knebel (Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress)
- Sean Doolittle (Kyle Barraclough, Trevor Rosenthal)
- Wade Davis (Seung-Hwan Oh)
- Archie Bradley (Greg Holland, Yoshihisa Hirano)
- Cody Allen (Ty Buttrey)
- Ken Giles (Ryan Tepera)
- Will Smith (Mark Melancon, Tony Watson)
- Raisel Iglesias (Jared Hughes, David Hernandez)
One-To-Two Inches Of Snow
It’s a slight inconvenience. Not enough to derail your day, but you still have to break out the snow shovel.
- Jose Alvarado (Chaz Roe / Diego Castillo)
- Jordan Hicks / Andrew Miller (Carlos Martinez)
- Matt Barnes / Ryan Brasier / Unnamed free agent
- Brad Boxberger / Wily Peralta
- Kelvin Herrera (Alex Colome, Nate Jones)
- Shane Greene (Joe Jimenez)
- Seranthony Dominguez / David Robertson
- Mychal Givens (Paul Fry, Richard Bleier)
Wintry Mix
Make up your mind mother nature. Is it raining? Is it snowing? What the hell is the difference between sleet and freezing rain? If you go outside you become a wet, miserable mess.
- A.J. Minter / Arodys Vizcaino
- Drew Steckenrider / Sergio Romo
- Blake Parker (Trevor May, Taylor Rogers)
- Hunter Strickland / Anthony Swarzak
- Pedro Strop / Steve Cishek / Carl Edwards, Jr. / Brandon Morrow
