AL East Closers

NY: Mariano Rivera
Back-up: Kyle Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel

BOS: Keith Foulke
Back-up: Mike Timlin, Craig Hansen

TOR: BJ Ryan
Back-up: Justin Speier, Jason Frasor

TB: Chad Orvella
Back-up: Dan Micelli, Jesus Colome

BAl: Chris Ray
Back-up: Latroy Hawkins

Kyle Farnsworth is being paid like he is the back-up closer. If Mariano went down, he would get the first chance to step in. If he can carry over his Atlanta success, then the Yankees wouldn't need to deal for a closer. If he struggles at all, I would expect the Yankees to try Dotel and acquire another closer to share the duties with his rebuilt elbow. Wow! Three consecutive sentences beginning with "if."

I have a sneaking suspicion Keith Foulke is not going to be an effective pitcher this season. As such, Mike Timlin should close initially with Craig Hansen breaking-in in the 7th and 8th inning. By season's end, I expect the Red Sox to know whether or not Craig Hansen is the next Huston Street. Or the next Ryan Wagner.

The Blue Jays have no expectations that BJ Ryan won't close at any point this season. If their $50 million closer goes to the DL, I'd expect a closer-by-commitee with Justin Speier at its chair.

I have little doubt that Chris Ray is going to open the season as the Orioles' closer and expect him to be OK. If he can't make the jump from AA closer to major league one, watch Latroy Hawkins. I am very aware of his past closing failures, but he has the Leo mazzone factor working for him. This could be one of the biggest surprises in 2006 - the rebirth of Latroy Hawkins as a viable closer under the tutelage of Leo Mazzone!

The Tampa Bay bullpen is still nominally a commitee, but I expect Chad Orvella to eventually settle in as the full-time closer. In the mean time, I expect some magnificent blown saves from 1996 Pirates closer, Dan Micelli, and perpetual closer-in-waiting Jesus Colome. Shinji Mori could surprise, but taking the entire Spring off so far with a sore shoulder is not a good omen.