Top 2014 Fantasy Closers With Projections and Handcuffs
1. Craig Kimbrel
Simply the best and no reason to think he won’t continue to be.
Handcuff: Jordan Walden
Projected stats for 2014:
W:3 S:47 K:101 ERA:1.32 WHIP: .85
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2. Kenley Jansen
Dodgers have finally committed to him as their closer.
Handcuff: Brian Wilson
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:35 K:111 ERA:2.26 WHIP: .91
3. Koji Uehara
Red Sox will probably be careful with their postseason hero.
Handcuff: Edward Mujica
Projected stats for 2014:
W:2 S:34 K:96 ERA:1.99 WHIP: .75
4. Greg Holland
Under-the-radar ridiculousness in 2013.
Handcuff: Kelvin Herrera
Projected stats for 2014:
W:3 S:39 K:103 ERA:2.49 WHIP: 1.01
5. Arodlis Chapman
That Chapman is fifth speaks to the depth at the closer position.
Handcuff: Jonathan Broxton
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:36 K:110 ERA:2.67 WHIP: 1.04
6. Joe Nathan
39-year old is coming off of his best year ever and moving to a better park to pitch.
Handcuff: Bruce Rondon
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:34 K:72 ERA:2.36 WHIP: .98
7. Trevor Rosenthal
Slight risk he could be moved to the rotation.
Handcuff:Kevin Siegrist
Projected stats for 2014:
W:3 S:36 K:114 ERA:2.91 WHIP: 1.12
8. Jason Grilli
Should get plenty of save opportunities with Pirates small ball set up.
Handcuff: Marc Meloncon
Projected stats for 2014:
W:2 S:38 K:86 ERA:3.06 WHIP: 1.14
9. Glen Perkins
Further proof most mediocre starts can be great closers.
Handcuff: Jared Burton
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S: 30 K: 76 ERA: 2.53 WHIP: 1.00
10. Sergio Romo
Giants tend to keep the slight righty’s his innings down
Handcuff: Santiago Casilla
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:31 K:55 ERA: 2.39 WHIP:.96
11. Jonathan Papelbon
Fastball has been ticking up in spring training.
Handcuff: Mike Adams
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:32 K:65 ERA:2.86 WHIP: 1.11
12. David Robertson
Has the pedigree, but closing in New York is its own beast.
Handcuff: Matt Thornton
Projected stats for 2014:
W:3 S:36 K:75 ERA:3.32 WHIP:1.17
13. Rafael Soriano
The nature of his 2015 vesting option may result in him having a short leash
Handcuff: Tyler Clippard
Projected stats for 2014:
W:2 S:35 K:56 ERA:3.12 WHIP: 1.21
14. Erensto Frieri
Strikeout beast if he can keep the ninth inning for the Halos.
Handcuff: Dane De la Rosa
Projected stats for 2014:
W:3 S:31 K:94 ERA:3.65 WHIP: 1.22
15. Jim Johnson
AL save leader the last two years but the peripherals don’t look so great.
Handcuff: Luke Gregerson
Projected stats for 2014:
W:2 S:39 K:49 ERA:3.12 WHIP: 1.18
16. Jim Henderson
Looked the part in 2013.
Handcuff: Fransisco Rodriguez
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:27 K:73 ERA:3.30 WHIP: 1.15
17. Addison Reed
Certainly has big time stuff. Will he finally get it together in the dessert?
Handcuff: Brad Ziegler
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:38 K:70 ERA:3.78 WHIP: 1.25
18. Grant Balfour
Have to be a bit worried about his arm after medically weird off-season.
Handcuff: Heath Bell
Projected stats for 2014:
W:1 S:25 K:64 ERA:2.86 WHIP: 1.13
19. Huston Street
Solid down the stretch in 2013
Handcuff:Joaquin Beniot
Projected stats for 2014:
W:2 S:33 K:43 ERA:3.06 WHIP:1.08
20. Fernando Rodney
Didn’t completely turn back into a pumpkin in 2013.
Handcuff: Tom Wilhelmsen
Projected stats for 2014:
W:4 S:38 K:78 ERA:4.06 WHIP: 1.31