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| MLB.com reports that Grant Balfour may get the opportunity to close games in the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. Regular closer Troy Percival is not on the roster. |
Our View: The animated reliever is one of the central figures in this rivalry. In 51 regular season appearances, he had a 6-2 record with a 1.54 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 58.1 innings. Dan Wheeler would seem to be the more likely option to close.
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| MLB.com reports that Joakim Soria will not be moved into the rotation next season. The Royals' best player appeared in 63 games in 2008 and recorded 42 saves while posting a 1.60 ERA. "One of the most important qualities of a successful closer is that he creates a perception in the opponents' dugout that the game is over," Moore said. "And I think Joakim is beginning to develop that kind of aura about him." |
Our View: Soria should remain a dominant fantasy closer for years to come. He was absolutely lights out for most of the season.
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| MLB.com reports that outfielder Eric Hinske will not likely be on the ALCS roster. |
Our View: Hinske is not dealing with an injury, but the team would rather carry an extra pitcher rather than Hinske. Hinske was a good hitter when needed, but with most of the Rays' offense in complete health, he will not be relied on in the series.
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| Updating an earlier report, Mike Timlin has made Boston's ALCS roster, according to the Providence Journal. |
Our View: He made the cut because Mike Lowell was not eligible for the ALCS roster after being pulled from the ALDS roster due to injury. The 18-year veteran is likely thrilled to make the cut, but shouldn't see much action against the Rays while on the bottom of the bullpen depth chart.
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| Troy Percival has been left off the Rays' ALCS roster, according to the St. Petersburg Times. |
Our View: He did not report any issues during his throwing sessions this week, and felt his back was healthy enough to pitch in the next round against Boston, but the Rays ultimately decided to name Edwin Jackson to the roster to serve as a potential fifth starter.
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| The St. Petersburg Times indicates the Rays' have named pitcher Edwin Jackson to the ALCS roster, leaving out Eric Hinske. Hinske said, "They want to carry an extra pitcher and I'm the odd man out. That's how it is. It's something that I can't control. I'll be ready if somebody gets hurt. It's not about me, it's about the team winning ballgames. No reaction."
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Our View: Jackson would likely serve as a fifth starter against Boston. He won 14 games in the regular season, with a 4.42 ERA and 1.51 WHIP.
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| The Twins exercised Mike Redmond's option for the 2009 season, according to the AP. |
Our View: The 37-year-old catcher hit .287 over 129 at-bats in 2007, and the club felt he will be a worthy backup for Joe Mauer next season.
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| Kevin Cameron has been outrighted to Triple-A Portland, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Right-handed pitcher Tim Stauffer and infielder Craig Stansberry were outrighted to Portland as well. |
Our View: All three were outrighted after the 29 other MLB team felt they were unworthy of a $20,000 waiver claim. The Padres have trimmed their roster to 32.
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| Mike Timlin will find out today if he will be on Boston's roster for the ALCS against Tampa Bay, according to the Boston Globe.
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Our View: The 18-year veteran was left off the ALDS roster against the Angels. He held a poor 5.66 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 49.1 innings of relief in the regular season.
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