Each and every year, each team goes into the season with ?the guy? that will close games for their team. Besides the elite closers of today, the other relief pitchers listed as the team?s closer usually doesn?t stay the closer at season?s end. I will list the each team?s closer and setup man that could close games if underachievement or injury occurs to the guy labeled closer.

*Statistics are from 2006

Elite

New York Yankees Closer: Mo Rivera ? 75.0 IP/1.80 ERA/0.96 WHIP/55 Ks/34 Saves. Setup Man: Kyle Farnsworth ? 66.0 IP/4.36 ERA/1.36 WHIP/75 Ks/6 Saves Rivera has been the most dominant closer of the last decade and is one of the most solid options you could have in fantasy. Elbow soreness limited him down the stretch last season yet he has still posted a sub-2.00 ERA and has done so the last four seasons.

LA Angels of Anaheim Closer: Francisco Rodriguez ? 73.0 IP/1.73 ERA/1.10 WHIP/98 Ks/47 Saves. Setup Man: Scott Shields ? 87.2 IP/2.87 ERA/1.07 WHIP/84 Ks/2 Saves K-Rod, 25, had a stretch (July 2-Sept. 14) where he did not give up an earned run. K-Rod has vaulted himself to one of the best in the game and could be the first closer taken off the board in some drafts. Only concern with K-Rod is his violent delivery.

Minnesota Twins Closer: Joe Nathan ? 68.1 IP/1.58 ERA/0.79 WHIP/95 Ks/36 Saves. Setup Man: Juan Rincon ? 74.1 IP/2.91 ERA/1.35 WHIP/65 Ks/1 Save Nathan has been dominant for the Twins since coming over in the A.J. Pierzynski trade putting up his best statistical season in the majors last season. At age 32, Nathan should have a few more dominating seasons left in his arm.

Toronto Blue Jays Closer: B.J. Ryan ? 72.1 IP/1.37 ERA/0.86 WHIP/86 Ks/38 Saves. Setup Man: Brandon League ? 42.2 IP/2.53 ERA/1.01 WHIP/29 Ks/1 Save After cashing in last offseason put together his best season yet. He?s not overpowering with his fastball, but it?s the deception of his delivery that enables him to strikeout as many hitters as he does. The Jays bullpen is full of unproven arms, but League performed well last season and could close games with his high 90s fastball if Ryan gets injured.

New York Mets Closer: Billy Wagner ? 72.1 IP/2.24 ERA/1.11 WHIP/94 Ks/40 Saves. Setup Man: Duaner Sanchez ? 55.1 IP/2.60 ERA/1.21 WHIP44 Ks/0 Saves Wagner gave the Mets what they desperately needed; a frontline end of game closer and at 36 is still considered one of the best in the game. Sanchez was throwing the ball well until a taxi cab accident ended his season. Sanchez may not be ready to start the season, but the Mets traded for Ambiorix Burgos who has experience closing games as well if something should happen to Wagner.

San Diego Padres Closer: Trevor Hoffman ? 63.0 IP/2.14 ERA/0.97 WHIP/50 Ks/46 Saves. Setup Man: Scott Linebrink ? 75.2 IP/3.57 ERA/1.22 WHIP/68 Ks/2 Saves Hoffman, the all-time saves leader, is usually overlooked in fantasy, but has there been any one more consistent than Hoffman? Hoffman is usually a lock for 40+ saves every year, but at age 39 you have to expect a decline in production sooner or later. Until that happens though, Hoffman is a closer to anchor your bullpen around. Even though Linebrink struggled a little compared to past seasons, he?s still one of the best setup men in the game and is first inline to close should something happen to Hoffman.

Secure

Oakland A?s Closer: Huston Street ? 70.2 IP/3.31 ERA/1.09 WHIP/67 Ks/37 Saves. Setup Man: Justin Duchscherer ? 55.2 IP/2.91 ERA/1.10 WHIP/51 Ks/9 Saves Street could easily ascend to the ranks of the elite if he puts together another season like his past two. He spent some time on the DL this past season with a groin injury though. If injury occurs, Duchscherer is more than capable of closing. He had 9 saves last season while Street was on the shelf.

Chicago White Sox Closer: Bobby Jenks ? 69.2 IP/4.00 ERA/1.39 WHIP/80 Ks/41 Saves. Setup Man: Mike MacDougal ? 29.0 IP/1.55 ERA/0.93 WHIP/21 Ks/1 Save Jenks closed his way to a World Series win in ?05 then was inconsistent throughout 2006. Jenks has a blazing fastball with a knee-buckling curve, so his job should be secure in 2007. If Jenks does struggle former Royals closer MacDougal will likely be first in line for save chances.

Baltimore Orioles Closer: Chris Ray ? 66.0 IP/2.73 ERA/1.09 WHIP/51 Ks/33 Saves. Setup Man: Danys Baez ? 59.2 IP/4.53 ERA/1.29 WHIP/39 Ks/9 Saves Ray had a solid first season as O?s closer and finished the ?06 season off in style in August and September with a combined 1.29 ERA in 21 IP with 7 saves.

Seattle Mariners Closer: J.J. Putz ? 78.1 IP/2.30 ERA/0.92 WHIP/104 Ks/36 Saves. Setup Man: Chris Reitsma ? 28.0 IP/8.68 ERA/1.93 WHIP/13Ks/8 Saves The overpowering J.J. Putz got his chance to close when Everyday Eddie was demoted because of poor performance. Putz never looked back and dominated with a high 90s fastball and filthy splitter. Another season like 2006 and Putz will elevate himself as one of the elite closers in the game.

Milwaukee Brewers Closer: Francisco Cordero ? 75.1 IP/3.70 ERA/1.34 WHIP/84 Ks/22 Saves. Setup Man: Matt Wise ? 44.1 IP/3.86 ERA/1.33 WHIP/27 Ks/0 Saves Coco Cordero was lights out with the Brew Crew after his trade from Texas posting a 1.69 ERA with 16 saves in 28.2 IP. Matt Wise is the likely setup man to start the year as Derrick Turnbow?s struggles (6.87 ERA) last season likely keeps him out of the setup role early on. A strong spring and start to the season could move Turnbow to the first in line to get save chances if Coco struggles as he did in Texas last season.

LA Dodgers Closer: Takashi Saito ? 78.1 IP/2.07 ERA/0.91 WHIP/107 Ks/24 Saves. Setup Man: Jonathan Broxton ? 76.1 IP/2.59 ERA/1.23 WHIP/97 Ks/3 Saves After the Danys Baez experiment failed, Saito came in and solidified himself as the closer of today with a surprising ?06 campaign. However, the future is with Broxton and keeper leaguers should take notice. Broxton was impressive in his first full season and will likely be taken on draft day for his low ERA and Ks alone.

Philadelphia Phillies Closer: Tom Gordon ? 59.1 IP/3.34 ERA/1.26WHIP/68 Ks/34 Saves. Setup man: Ryan Madson ? 134.1 IP/5.69 ERA/1.68 WHIP/99 Ks/2 Saves ?Flash? Gordon is still a reliable closer, but up there in age at 39. He put up solid numbers in the bandbox called Citizens Bank Park, but served time on the DL last season as well. His workload over the years with the Yankees may have caught up with him at his age. Madson was much more successful in the bullpen than as a starter and is the likely candidate for saves with a Gordon injury. For the Phillies sake they better pray that doesn?t happen.

Washington Nationals Closer: Chad Cordero ? 73.1 IP/3.19 ERA/1.10 WHIP/69 Ks/29 Saves. Setup Man: Jon Rauch ? 91.1 IP/3.35 ERA/1.25 WHIP/86 Ks/2 Saves Cordero is as solid as there is, but doesn?t get the nod for elite status because he plays for the Nats. Wins in 2007 will likely be hard to come by for the Nats, which will effect Cordero?s save opportunities. An injury to Cordero would see Rauch getting a chance to close, but Luis Ayala could see opportunities if he?s recovered from elbow reconstruction surgery. Injury is the only way Cordero would lose his closer role.

Colorado Rockies Closer: Brian Fuentes ? 65.1 IP/3.44 ERA/1.16 WHIP/73 Ks/30 Saves. Setup Man: LaTroy Hawkins ? 60.1 IP/4.48 ERA/1.46 WHIP/27 Ks/0 Saves Fuentes has been surprisingly effective in Coors as closer the last two seasons. The lefthander has a deceptive sidearm delivery and touches the low 90s with his fastball. Hawkins has the most closing experience in the Rox bullpen besides Fuentes, but Ramon Ramirez could get a shot too if Fuentes gets injured or is traded.

Texas Rangers Closer: Eric Gagne ? 2.0 IP/0.00 ERA/0.50/3 Ks/1 Save. Setup Man: Akinori Otsuka ? 59.2 IP/2.11 ERA/1.07 WHIP/47 Ks/32 Saves Although Gagne has pitched just 15.1 innings over the last two years, as long as he stays healthy the job will be his. Gagne will either be dominant or injured, there?s no in-between. If injury does occur, Otsuka is more than capable and proved it by saving 32 games after Coco Cordero was shipped to Milwaukee.

Shaky

Atlanta Braves Closer: Bob Wickman ? 54.0 IP/2.67 ERA/1.22 WHIP/42 Ks/33 Saves. Setup Man: Mike Gonzalez ? 54.0 IP/2.17 ERA/1.35 WHIP/64 Ks/24 Saves There are a number of reasons why Wickman?s job is shaky. The addition of former Pirates closer Gonzalez is one. Two, Wickman?s outings to close games are usually adventurous. Lastly, Wickman is up there in age and this is likely his last season. If the Braves fallout of the playoff race Gonzalez will likely be given the closer role and Wickman traded to a contender.

Arizona D-Backs Closer: Jose Valverde ? 49.1 IP/5.84 ERA/1.46 WHIP/69 Ks/18 Saves. Setup Man: Jorge Julio ? 66.0 IP/4.23 ERA/1.32 WHIP/88 Ks/16 Saves Jose Valverde will once again enter the season as the D-Backs closer after an up and down '06 campaign. He finished 2006 strong, 1.93 ERA and 24 Ks in 18.2 after a callup from the minors, but if he struggles early Julio will likely get another shot. Julio has been rumored in possible trades and if he is traded Brandon Lyon might get some save chances. I like Valverde for this season and believe he will hold onto the closer role.

Chicago Cubs Closer: Ryan Dempster ? 75.0 IP/4.80 ERA/1.51 WHIP/67 Ks/24 Saves. Setup Man: Kerry Wood ? 19.2 IP/4.12 ERA/1.37 WHIP/13 Ks/0 Saves I can?t see Lou Pinella staying with Dempster for very long, if out of Spring Training. Dempster blew 9 saves last season and at times had no ability to throw a strike. I like Wood to take the closer role and run with it. This is what many have said to do with Wood the last few years to keep him healthy. Put him in relief and see if he?ll stay healthy. We?ll get the chance to see if Wood can rectify his career. Draft Wood on draft day, as he?s my frontrunner to be the closer for the Cubs.

Detroit Tigers Closer: Todd Jones ? 64.0 IP/3.94 ERA/1.27 WHIP/28 Ks/37 Saves. Setup Man: Joel Zumaya ? 83.1 IP/1.94 ERA/1.18 WHIP/97 Ks/1 Save Jones has been reliable, but if the Tigers want to take that next step they should turn to Zumaya to close games. Jones K/9 Ratio (3.94) dropped significantly last season and at age 38, turns 39 April 24, this could be the start of a decline. Anyone who drafts Jones on draft day will want to target Zumaya too, as I believe he will be the Tigers closer at some point during the 2007 season.

San Francisco Giants Closer: Armando Benitez ? 38.1 IP/3.52 ERA/1.57 WHIP/31Ks/17 Saves. Setup Man: Brian Wilson ? 30.0 IP/5.40 ERA/1.77 WHIP/23 Ks/1 Save Two bad knees limited Benitez in 2006 and there are rumors that Benitez would like a change of scenery. He?s been rumored in talks between the Giants and Marlins, but GM Brian Sabean has stated that Benitez will not be traded until he can prove he can throw off a mound. If Benitez is traded Wilson will likely move into the closers role.

Florida Marlins Closer: Taylor Tankersley ? 41.0 IP/2.85 ERA/1.44 WHIP/46 Ks/3 Saves. Setup Man: Matt Lindstrom ? 58.2 IP/3.38 ERA/70 Ks/13 Saves (Minor League #s) Tank is currently the favorite, but as mentioned above, the Marlins have been talking with the Giants about Benitez. If the Marlins don?t acquire a veteran and Tank struggles, the Marlins could turn to newly acquired Matt Lindstrom whom they traded for this offseason from the Mets involving Jason Vargas. Lindstrom can reach the high 90s with his fastball and with Logan Kensing out for the season, Lindstrom is the favorite to setup Tank to begin the season. Ricky Nolasco may get a shot to close as well.

Houston Astros Closer: Brad Lidge ? 75.0 IP/5.28 ERA/1.40 WHIP/104 Ks/32 Saves. Setup Man: Dan Wheeler ? 71.1 IP/2.52 ERA/1.15 WHIP/68 Ks/9 Saves After being herald as one of the top closers in the game, Lidge struggled all season with his control finishing with his worst season in his career last season. Wheeler stepped in at closer when Lidge struggled and did very well. If Lidge stumbles out of the gate to start the season Garner won?t hesitate to put Wheeler back in that role, maybe for good.

Pittsburgh Pirates Closer: Salomon Torres ? 93.1 IP/3.28 ERA/1.46 WHIP/72 Ks/12 Saves. Setup Man: Matt Capps ? 80.2 IP/3.79 ERA/1.15 WHIP/56 Ks/1 Save With Mike Gonzalez now in Atlanta, Torres gets first crack at the closer job in Pittsburgh. Torres did well closing games after Gonzalez hit the DL to finish last season. Capps is first in line if Torres falters or if the Pirates fall out of the playoff race. Capps was groomed to close in the minors and attacks hitters when on the mound (12 BB in 80.2 IP).

Kansas City Royals Closer: Octavio Dotel ? 10.0 IP/10.80 ERA/2.90 WHIP/7 Ks/0 Saves. Setup Man: David Riske ? 34.1 IP/3.93 ERA/1.34 WHIP/23 Ks/0 Saves The Royals addressed the end of the bullpen by bringing in two quality relievers in Dotel and Riske. Dotel should be fine entering this season, but he struggled after he returned to the Yankees from TJ surgery last season. Riske has experience closing games and will likely step in if Dotel struggles.

Tampa Bay D-Rays Closer: Chad Orvella ? 24.1 IP/7.40 ERA/2.30 WHIP/17 Ks/0 Saves. Setup Man: Seth McClung ? 103.0 IP/6.29 ERA/1.83 WHIP/59 Ks/6 Saves I believe Orvella will get the job because that?s whom the D-Rays want to win the job. He?s yet to translate his dominance of the minors over to the majors, but Orvella has the ability to do so. Even so, the job will be up for grabs this spring and 2006 end of season closer Seth McClung will also be in the running.

Cleveland Indians Closer: Keith Foulke ? 49.2 IP/4.35 ERA/1.19 WHIP/36 Ks/0 Saves. Setup Man: Joe Borowski ? 69.2 IP/3.75 ERA/1.38 WHIP/64 Ks/36 Saves Foulke pitched well in the second half for the Red Sox (2.04 ERA in 17.2 IP) and signed a 1-year deal with the playoff contending Indians. Foulke will likely get most of the save opportunities, but Borowski could see some chances as well, as the Indians will want to keep each guy fresh for a playoff run.

St. Louis Cardinals Closer: Jason Isringhausen ? 58.1 IP/3.55 ERA/1.46 WHIP/52 Ks/33 Saves. Setup Man: Braden Looper- Izzy is still working himself back from a hip injury and it?s not certain that he?ll be ready by Opening Day. The loss of Jeff Weaver and late return of Mark Mulder from shoulder surgery (July) essentially ensures that Adam Wainwright will start the year in the rotation. Looper will likely get first crack at closer if Izzy isn?t ready with Tyler Johnson possibly getting some chances as he showed good poise in the playoffs.

Cincinnati Reds Closer: David Weathers ? 73.2 IP/3.54 ERA/1.29 WHIP/50 Ks/ 12 Saves. Setup Man: Todd Coffey ? 78.0 IP/3.58 ERA/1.44 WHIP/60 Ks/8 Saves With Everyday Eddie recovering from Tommy John surgery, Weathers will likely be handed the closer role to start the season. Coffey could also get a look too, as he has better stuff than Weathers. The Reds believe Bill Bray, who was acquired in the Felipe Lopez traded, has the ability to close games as well.

Boston Red Sox Closer: ?? Setup Man: ?? The Papelbon experiment at closer last season was a major success. However, injury and the training staff?s opinion that Papelbon?s shoulder is better suited for the rotation is now where he?ll be pitching in 2007. The end of the Red Sox bullpen is full of unanswered questions entering this spring now that Papelbon is in the rotation. Joel Pineiro, Brendan Donnelly, and Mike Timlin will all be battling for the back of the bullpen duties come Opening Day.

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