Fantasy Baseball: Future Closers

In some leagues there aren't enough dependable closers for the entire league. Closers can get benched in the blink of an eye in baseball. Sometimes it's important to predict what closers are going to lose their jobs and who is going to take their place. Here are a few pitchers that won't start as a closer but could become one by the end of the year.

Joel Zumaya - Zumaya has a good enough ERA and WHIP that it will affect your team even before he becomes a closer. But since the Tigers current closer, Todd Jones, is 38 it's only a matter of time before Zumaya takes over.

Mike Gonzalez - Bob Wickman will start 2007 as the closer for the Atlanta Braves but don't expect that to last long. Mike Gonzalez was one of the most sought after young lefties this offseason; the Braves were willing to give up a 30 HR 100 RBI player for him. While he was in Pittsburgh Mike Gonzalez was a perfect 24 for 24 in save opportunities but didn't get many opportunities playing in Pittsburgh.

Jonathan Broxton - The Dodgers expected Broxton to be Gagne's successor as closer but Gagne lost the role sooner than expected. Now Saito has a hold of the job but Broxton is too good not to take over duties at some point this season.

Matt Capps - One of the reasons the Pirates were willing to let go of Oliver Perez and Mike Gonzalez is because they seem to be able to find where to find more pitching prospects. Capps went 9 - 1 last year on a team that didn't win all that much. Solomon Torres isn't going to last long in Pittsburgh as the closer.

Dan Wheeler - I'm one of the few people who believe Lidge can be a great closer again this season but there are many doubters. If it doesn't happen then Dan Wheeler would probably take over as closer.

Al Reyes - The Devil Rays have young talent all over the baseball diamond. When it comes to closer they might be better off going with one of their few veteran players.

Bob Howry - Howry made 84 appearances for the Cubs, a club record, and only walked 17 batters all season. As soon as Ryan Dempster starts to struggle expect Howry, not Kerry Wood, to become the closer.