Due to the recent rumors that closer Trevor Hoffman will be joining a new team in 2009, and news that the state of the St. Louis Cardinal bullpen is still in flux, I decided to take another look at the NL Closer battles.
Here is team by team breakdown as it stands now:
| Team | Jan-09 |
| New York | Rodriguez |
| Philadelphia | Lidge |
| Florida | Lidstrom |
| Atlanta | Gonzalez |
| Washington | Hanrahan |
| Chicago | Marmol |
| Milwaukee | Hoffman |
| Houston | Valverde |
| St. Louis | Perez/Motte? |
| Pittsburgh | Capps |
| Cincinnatti | Cordero |
| Arizona | Qualls/Pena |
| Los Angeles | Broxton |
| Colorado | Street/Corpas |
| San Diego | Bell |
| San Francisco |
Wilson |
As you can see, there are still some decisions to be made for several teams, including the Brewers, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Rockies. You can add the Marlins and Cubs to that list, as Matt Lidstrom will have plenty of competition in Florida, and there are reports out of Chicago saying the Kevin Gregg may close for the Cubs in 2009.
Of the remaining teams that appear set at closer: Mets, Phillies, Braves, Nationals, Astros, Pirates, Reds, Padres and Giants, who would you be most comfortable with drafting come draft day?
Update (10:36am) I updated the Brewers and Dodgers closers. Unless we get another Furcal situation, Hoffman will sign with the Brewers.