Risk Level

Very Low: Smoldering

Low: Smoking

Moderate: Burning

High: Blazing

Very High: Inferno

National League West
(updated 9/18/08)

Colorado Rockies

Closer - B. Fuentes (59.2 IP, 28 SV, 76 K, 6 HLD, 2.41 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 11.46 K/9)
Threat #1 - M. Corpas (75.1 IP, 4 SV, 56 K, 17 HLD, 4.06 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 5.50 K/9)
Threat #2 – T. Buchholz (66.1 IP, 1 SV, 56 K, 21 HLD, 2.17 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 7.6 K/9)

Risk - Burning
Current closer Brian Fuentes is headed toward free agency at the end of the season, so the Rockies are looking for the future closer in their bullpen. While Fuentes is the best closer in the Rockies bullpen the team is looking for the future closer by offering both Manuel Corpas and Taylor Buchholz opportunities to close games. Corpas hasn't been as effective as Buchholz but the team has said they do not want to rush the young pitcher. The Rockies also recently announced that right shoulder inflammation has shut down Buchholz for the rest of the season. Corpas has not posted strong numbers this season as closer so it appears that Buccholz remains the long-term plan for the Rockies. How the injury will affect this decision remains to be seen. 

Los Angeles Dodgers  

Closer - J. Broxton (64 IP, 13 SV, 84 K, 13 HLD, 3.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 11.81 K/9)
Threat #1 - T. Saito (42.1 IP, 17 SV, 55 K, 0 HLD, 2.13 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 11.69 K/9)
Threat #2 – H. Kuo (80 IP, 1 SV, 96 K, 12 HLD, 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 10.80 K/9) 

Risk – Blazing

The closing situation is the best kind of problem for the Dodgers; they have two solid options available for them to close. Takashi Saito, who has not been playing due to an elbow injury, was activated from the 60-day DL on Sept. 16. In Saito’s absence Jonathan Broxton has been pitching incredibly well and it is believed Saito is not expected to resume the duty of team’s closer… for now. Joe Torre has been reported as saying they will only use Saito in low-stress situations so it is popular belief that Broxton’s days as the closer for the Dodgers are numbered. He’ll resume duties as the team’s set-up man, greatly diminishing the role of Hong-Chih Kuo. 

San Diego Padres  

Closer - T. Hoffman (42.1 IP, 28 SV, 45 K, 0 HLD, 4.04 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9.57 K/9) 

Threat #1 - H. Bell (72.1 IP, 0 SV, 66 K, 21 HLD, 2.99 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 8.21 K/9)
Threat #2 – C. Meredith (64.1 IP, 0 SV, 42 K, 10 HLD, 4.06 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 5.88 K/9) 

Risk – Smoking

It’s business as usual for the San Diego Padres’ bullpen. While none of the pitchers are putting up impressive numbers they appear to be getting the job done. Future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman continues to close for the Padres but this could be his last season with the team. Because of the potential departure of Hoffman the door is open for Heath Bell to take over the closing duties for the Padres next season. Cla Meredith would then become a more than competent set-up man for Bell if that is the path the Padres take. It appears a transformation of the Padres’ bullpen is looming in the not-so-distant future. 

San Franciso Giants 

Closer - B. Wilson (59.1 IP, 39 SV, 62 K, 0 HLD, 4.40 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 9.40 K/9)
Threat #1 – T. Walker (50.0 IP, 0 SV, 47 K, 19 HLD, 4.50 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 8.46 K/9)
Threat #2 – J. Taschner (48.0 IP, 0 SV, 39 K, 14 HLD, 4.88 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 7.31 K/9)