NL East Closers

ATL: Chris Reitsma
Back-up: Joey Devine, Oscar Villareal

NYM: Billy Wagner
Back-up: Duaner Sanchez

PHI: Tom Gordon
Back-up: Ryan Madson, Cole Hamels

WAS: Chad Cordero
Back-up: Luis Ayala, Gary Majewski

FLA: Joe Borowski
Back-up: Travis Bowyers, Kerry Ligtenberg

I do not have a solid grip on the back-up closers in Philadelphia or Washington. Heck, the two listed for the Phils are starting pitchers at the moment. But I do say that I whole-heartedly believe Hamels is going to be a power reliever in the majors this season. It is too much to ask him to close, but he may be perfect for the role in Philly - just the right mix of redneck and talent. The Philly fans will identify - minus the talent.

The Nationals would turn to either Ayala or Majewski as both have proven to be FRob favorites, and he is a loyal manager who will reward players who perform for him.

Florida will begin with Borowski and deal him for a top prospect. If the club is smart, Joe B will be gone in mid-May so the team can give the role to Ligtenberg and then deal him for a decent prospect. Two decent prospects for Borowski and Ligtenberg? You have to love the glamor of saves!

In Atlanta, I am convinced Devine will get a chance to close. So much so that protecting him at $10 if starts 2006 in AAA is a risk worth taking. Afterall, he can be replaced at the end of the draft with a quality middle reliever anyhow. Possibly even Oscar Villareal from the same bullpen. Devine's outstanding spring will basically shut out any other back-up closer posiibilities.

The Mets have no intentions of Wagner not closing at all, but Sanchez successfully closed at the end of last season and would be a decent first option. If he was just a fluke, then Aaron Heilman could do the job and do it well.