RP Joe Beimel, Washington Nationals: I like Joel Hanrahan at closer. I do not believe he will lose the job. However, someone would have to take over if he did. I'm betting the $3MM the team used to sign Joe Beimel that he gets the job. A hunch? Not really. There just doesn't seem to be a better candidate with as much financial incentive.
RP John Grabow, Pittsburgh Pirates: I like Matt Capps at closer. I do not like his lack of control this Spring. In 53.2 innings last year, Capps walked five. So far, he has wlaked eight in 10 innings. Like Beimel, Grabow looks like the best option in a non-descript Pirates' pen.
RP Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers: With Joel Zumaya disgarded into the Future Closer dustbin, the Tigers' 1st round pick in 2008 appears ready to take the mantle. With Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney ahead of him, Perry looks like the pitcher the Saves Punters will salivate over.
RP Derrick Turnbow, Texas Rangers: Frank Francisco has channelled his aggression from fans in the stands to batters at the plate and has won the Rangers' closing job. While Turnbow is best remembered by fantasy players as the pitcher who failed to hold the closer's job in Milwaukee, he has impressed the Rangers' manager enough that he wants Turnbow in the bullpen.
RP Scott Downs, Toronto Blue Jays: GM J.P. Ricciardi said there is nothing to current closer B.J. Ryan's lack of velocity this Spring. A couple years ago, he said Ryan was having back problems and that turned out to be Tommy John surgery.
OF Brett Gardner, New York Yankees: The Yankees need energy. Melky Cabrera was unable to bring it last season and will lose out on the team's CF job as a result. Yeah and his continuing mediocrtiy as a major leaguer makes that easier to conclude. All signals point towards Gardner hitting ninth to set-up a lefty/righty/lefty order. Look for Gardner to provide a surprisingly high number of runs and stolen bases from the 9th hole.