With the first two-plus months of the regular season under our belts, the closer pool is starting to get a bit more shallow. The Ryan Franklins or Andrew Baileys or David Aardsmas are long gone. And the owners that jumped on them have been rewarded.

But, saves come at a premium. As secure as those jobs are, there are always saves to be taken—and there are options still available in your leagues. It will take some digging though, but there are saves to be found.

An awful April was somewhat overlooked because of his given track record, but an even worse May has triggered a lot of discussion on what the real problem is with Lidge. And rightfully so.

The veteran record-setter of a season ago can no longer be given a free pass for his recent struggles. Lidge already has four blown saves in 2009, four more than his perfect 2008 season. He’s also allowed an earned run in 11 games, the same number of outings he did last year. Plus, Lidge has only appeared in 22 games, thus yielding a run in 50 percent of his appearances. Ouch.

His return to the Blue Jays is just a few days away, but his old job is gone. When B.J. Ryan is activated from the disabled list today, it will not be as the closer. General Manager J.P. Ricciardi said on Tuesday that the team will continue to use Scott Downs in the ninth inning even after Ryan rejoins the team.

After a brief hiatus on the premium side, the Call to the Pen is back on the free side every Friday! Over the past month, we have developed a classification for closers who are losing the grip on their jobs. This classification is broken up into the stages of a fire. As a brief overview, the more a closer struggles, the more a fire intensifies. This breakdown is a weekly section called Sound the Alarm, among others. Let’s dive right in.

By now, you should know Mariano Rivera is the closer for the Yankees. You do, don’t you? Well, what may or may not be obvious is that Rivera is turning 40 this November and he appears to be nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career. That means you’ll start hearing names linked with the term, “closer of the future.” Almost every team has them, or had them (i.e. Jonathan Papelbon or Joakim Soria). That young flamethrower that may be on the cusp of making the team this Spring, or that kid who just signed with the organization and is likely years away.

It’s Spring Training. It’s time to start getting to know some of these pitchers. Whether or not they make their ways into the majors this year is unknown, and actually somewhat unlikely. But it is a good time to start familiarizing yourself with some of these names because some could earn a role quicker than expected. In this article, we will take a look at the American League and only players that were NOT mentioned (i.e. Joey Devine) in the divisional previews.

Jim Hoey, Baltimore Orioles

Hoey has warranted the closer of the future tag for the last couple seasons. In 2006, Hoey notched 33 saves with an ERA of 2.29 and 12.88 strikeouts per nine innings across three levels of the minors. The following season Hoey continued to dominate the minors. Hoey saved 16 games with a 0.79 ERA in Double-A and Triple-A, before being called up to the Orioles. However, Hoey struggled with the Orioles and had an ugly ERA of 7.30 in 23 games. Then, the 2008 season failed to launch for Hoey. He missed the entire season after undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder. Now, Hoey is back in camp this year with that same future tag. With Ray and Sherrill in front of him, it’s not totally out of the question for Hoey to make an impact as soon as this year.

Mark Melancon, New York Yankees

As mentioned in the intro, Mariano Rivera cannot save games forever (although some of us wish he could). It’s likely the Yankees will access this situation this time next year. But in the meantime, let’s introduce you to Melancon. In college, Melancon set a record with 18 career saves at the University of Arizona. His college career was shortened because of an elbow injury that did not require surgery. Once considered a first round talent, Melancon dropped into the ninth round because teams were hesitant of the elbow injury. Although he was a steal for the Yankees, that same elbow did end up burning out. Melancon needed Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2007 season. Last season, Melancon returned to the minors following his rehab and went 8-0 with 89 strikeouts in 95 innings. Not bad for one year off of TJ surgery. His fastball touched 96 at times and was consistently hitting 94. He has already been labeled the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera by some and expected to do big things by others in the future.

Jon Meloan, Cleveland Indians

Meloan spent a few seasons in the Dodgers organization and had it not been for Jonathan Broxton, he could be the closer of the future there. Meloan resembles Broxton with his closer makeup. The scouting report on Meloan is mid-90s sinking fastball, tight slider, and a developing knuckle-curve. Meloan possesses serious strikeout potential and a testament to that is his 70 strikeouts in 45 innings during the 2007 Double-A season. Meloan has great raw talent and could make the team this Spring as a bullpen arm.

Jose Mijares, Minnesota Twins

Joe Nathan’s job is pretty secure and after signing a contract extension before last season through 2011, it doesn’t appear he will be leaving anytime soon. Jose Mijares is a 24-year-old with plus stuff. If he has a good Spring, he could wind up being Nathan’s setup man for the next three seasons. In 2008, Mijares was called up to the Twins and pitched well out of the bullpen in tough situations. He allowed one run in 10 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking none. Prior to 2008, Mijares was ranked 11 for prospects by Baseball America. As stated, Mijares is more of a long-term projection because of the guy in front of him, but there is clearly future closer talent here.

Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers

The closer circus in Detroit should be entertaining this season. With newly added Brandon Lyon, last season’s closer Fernando Rodney, and wild card Joel Zumaya, it’s already a crowded situation in 2009. That’s why Ryan Perry probably doesn’t fit into that picture just yet. Despite Zumaya’s massive potential to coin the label closer of the future, Perry is loaded with potential too. Perry is still a baby, as his 22nd birthday was only last week. He has some grooming to do, particularly his mechanics, but the scouting report on Perry is enough to excite. Perry has fastball can hit 100 mph and an above-average breaking pitch. Some scouts compare him to Brandon Morrow, except bigger and stronger. Perry, a first round pick by the Tigers, should move through the ranks relatively quick though considering the Tigers bullpen mess. Perry should figure to begin the season in Double-A, and could find himself with the major league club by years end.

Blake Beavan, Texas Rangers

Like Perry, Beavan is a ripe age. In fact, he cannot even legally buy beer yet. But by many, he already has the closer of the future mantle. Despite his young age, Beavan was a man among boys. Beavan stands in at 6 foot 7 inches and 210 pounds. In addition, Beavan’s scouting report reads a mid-90s fastball and a sweeping slider, which is considered a legitimate out pitch. As tall as he is, Beavan is very athletic and for his age, possesses a clean delivery. Last season, Beavan was a starter at Single-A for the Rangers and went 10-6 with a 2.32 ERA and 73 strikeouts against 20 walks. A former Baseball America Youth Player of the Year, Beavan has the build, stuff, and natural athleticism to be a special pitcher in a couple years.

Joshua Fields, Seattle Mariners

The Mariners bullpen is just short of a disaster this year. The departure of J.J. Putz coupled with transitioning Brandon Morrow back into the rotation has left the bullpen a crapshoot. Not one candidate should instill any confidence in you. So, how unlikely is it for Fields to dominate this Spring and win the job? Surprisingly, it’s not impossible. Although he could use some grooming in the minors, Fields has the mantra of a lights-out closer. Fields was a 2008 first round pick by the Mariners. During his college days at Georgia, Fields collected 39 career saves, which is the SEC record. Fields also helped Georgia advance to the College World Series, which you can watch him finish off NC State here. The scouting report on Fields is a 92-95 mph fastball, a big curve at 78-80 mph and one scout called it a, “a plus, plus curve, a true hammer.” He has also garnered comparisons to Tim Lincecum because of his upright delivery, which has caused struggles with his command. This is something that could be worked on the minors, but there is no question that Josh Fields is the closer of the future in Seattle.

Predicting closers of the future is usually hit or miss. Of these guys, who do you think has the most potential and fastest path to a closer job? And is there someone not on this list that you think has the “future closer” tag in the American League?

Coming off a 88-74 record in 2007, the Tigers seemed poised for a great season, especially with newly acquired third baseman Miguel Cabrera. However, 2008 was a disappointment—and that’s an understatement. As a whole, their pitching staff was a disaster. The team’s best starter was a guy who only pitched in three big league games before last season. As bad as the rotation was, the bullpen might have been even worse. Tied for fourth in the majors, the Tigers blew 28 saves. Todd Jones was not particularly good, having blown three saves and posting a 4.97 ERA. After him, Fernando Rodney was borderline, if not totally, awful. Rodney went 0-6, six blown saves, and almost a walk per inning on average.

The new acquisition of Brandon Lyon provides some stability, but does not settle anything. As discussed in my divisional preview of the American League Central, there will be competition for the job this Spring—even before Lyon was brought in. Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow, so let’s take a closer look at the three relievers battling it out in Lakeland, FL, better known as “TigerTown.”

Lyon’s Heart

A Diamondbacks' castoff, Lyon hopes to find a new home closing games in Detroit. Out of the three relievers, Lyon has the most closer experience. But does that make him the best option? Lyon has had his share of struggles in the past. In fact, the only two seasons he was a closer were his roughest. In 2005, Lyon had 14 saves but an ERA of 6.44. Last year, Lyon nailed down 26 saves but was supplanted by Chad Qualls late in the season, and eventually not retained for 2009. In addition, Lyon’s WHIP and ERA were both high at 1.48 and 4.70, respectively. For early drafts, fantasy managers will be put in a bind. An end game pick might not be costly, but Lyon as closer is anything but guaranteed. Manager Jim Leyland has emphasized stability heading into Spring Training, but did not rule out a potential closer-by-committee scenario.

Leyland said of the competition, “That's kind of a catch-22, because I don't want to steer one or the other off too early with some kind of commitment. I think you have to wait and see how that unfolds a little bit. I think that would be something that I would be interested in, but it's not mandatory.”

One can assume he would like to have one set pitcher for the ninth inning, but it does not mean it’s going to happen. Even though he is the front-runner for the job, Lyon will need to prove himself this Spring.

Lightning Rod-ney

Lyon may be a new face around town, but the other two relievers fighting for the job are no strangers in Detroit. Right-handers Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya had Tiger fans fired up with their tripe-digit fastballs in 2006. Since, the two have taken steps backwards rather than forward. Rodney had his chance to close last year but as discussed a couple times, he was highly inconsistent and ineffective. Rodney walked 30 in 40 1/3 innings, which was good for 6.69 walks per nine innings.The culmination of last season for Rodney came on September 16th in a ninth inning implosion against the Rangers when he gave up three hits and three walks without retiring a batter. There is no question about the speed of Rodney’s fastball. It is the accuracy consistency with which he can throw it. As Spring Training opens, Rodney appears to be the second position for the job. However, unless he has a dramatic change in control, he cannot be counted on.

Failure to Launch in 2008

The last candidate is the most intriguing of the three, and that’s Joel Zumaya. A Detroit fan favorite in 2006, Zumaya pretty much hit rock bottom last season. Zumaya missed three months of the 2007 season and needed surgery to repair his AC joint in his shoulder. In what might have been a rushed attempt to get back on the mound, Zumaya returned earlier than expect in mid-June of 2008. He struggled with fatigue in his shoulder and had to be shutdown. Now, Zumaya seems ready and poised to break camp as a critical piece to the Tigers bullpen. Zumaya is willing to take a little something off the fastball, in order to regain some command of the pitch.

In 2008, Zumaya walked 22 batters in 23 1/3 innings and in his final appearance of the season, he threw just five of 20 pitches for strikes before being yanked from the game and shutdown for the season. In 2009, Zumaya will obviously need to show better control. Something different in Zumaya’s offseason preparation this year is the addition of a new offspeed pitch, a changeup. If he can set up his fastball with a better offspeed pitch, the velocity on his fastball won’t matter. Although he’s got the highest ceiling of the three candidates, it would be risky to begin the season with Zumaya as closer. He has not made it through an entire season without injury since 2006. Zumaya is best fit for starting the season as a setup man and building up some arm strength and consistency.

Closing Thoughts

Lyon should win the job in Spring Training. Given his experience as a closer and durability, he is the best fit to start the season. Rodney is best fitted for a role in the seventh or eighth inning. As a reliever, walking hitters late in the game is crucial, but handing out free passes in the ninth inning are unacceptable. Most of the games Rodney found himself in trouble were in games he put people on base. Walks are rally starters.

With all that said, Leyland has high expectations this year after last season’s disappointment. This is a good club, a much better one than it showed in 2008. If Lyon struggles, it would not be surprising to see a switch—not to Rodney, to Zumaya. It’s no secret how much Leyland likes Zumaya’s ability.

“You might almost need two guys to replace Zumaya. He could be that good for us. He was that good in 2006. …Believe me, I think [Zumaya] is one of the biggest keys to this team. But I'm going to have to find out if he can withstand it and throw some innings and bounce back.”

If Zumaya can prove he is healthy enough to be relied upon, he is the best pitcher in that bullpen. With an added changeup to his repertoire, Zumaya is even more explosive in the eighth or ninth inning. Lyon and Rodney might be ahead of him to open camp, but staying healthy should be his biggest competition. My final inclination would be Lyon beginning the season as closer, but if, and that’s a big if, Zumaya can stay healthy, he will be the closer for the Tigers at some point during the 2009 season. Take a flier and keep Zumaya on your radars everyone.

Who do you prefer (if any) in the Tigers bullpen? Are you willing to spend a pick on any of them, even if they are the set closer after camp?

Alas! We have made it around both the entire American and National Leagues with this last installment of the closer pool series. In the NL West, there is a lot of uncertainty. Not one closer has more than one season with at least 30 saves, nor does any have 100 career saves. Let’s take a look at the situations out West.

Exit Kerry Wood. Enter Trevor Hoffman. Two of the biggest changes to the National League Central’s bullpens heading into the 2009 are that of Wood and Hoffman. The NL Central is the only division that features six teams, which should mean a plethora of saves and opportunities. There is both stability and some instability in this division, which should make for an interesting season for NL Central closers. Let’s dive right in.

With the addition of Francisco Rodriguez, the National League East now possesses two of the top closers in baseball. However after that, trust and confidence should be limited to say the least. In contrast to the American League West, though, the NL East does not have more than one situation without a defined closer—which is certainly a good thing for fantasy managers. Let’s take a look at the division that produced 180 saves last season.