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K-Rod Headed To DL?

By Tim Dierkes [April 8, 2008 at 9:33am CST]

Sounds like Francisco Rodriguez is headed to the DL for his sore ankles. In most leagues I'm seeing people pounce on Scot Shields as his backup. I suppose that makes sense; Shields has been second in line for years. However, Shields also had a 7.36 ERA in the second half last year and began this year on the DL with forearm and shoulder issues. Shields had been removed from the setup role in September of last year. He's been worked very heavily in recent years.

Enter Justin Speier. As far as I can tell, he's a better pitcher than Shields. Speier's main issue in '07 was a viral infection. He's still available in most leagues, and is worth a speculative pickup (I'd cut David Riske for him).

Full Story | Comments (8) | Categories: Closers | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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Comments

I buy the Speier argument. Do I drop Micah Owings for him? 12 team 5x5 ML. I've got 5 albeit shaky guys right now with the closing job (Wood, Sherrill, Gregg, Lyon, Rauch), and my other starters are Bedard, Halladay, Lincecum, Wainwright, Wolf.

Posted by: dschensul | April 08, 2008 at 09:50 AM

I agree Justin is the better pitcher, but Scioscia is old-school and I bet dollars to donuts that Shields gets the first crack at it. I say this as a long-standing Angels fan.

Posted by: waters96 | April 08, 2008 at 10:09 AM

Worth it to drop Raffy Betancourt for Speier? For Shields?

Posted by: Sinestro | April 08, 2008 at 10:12 AM

My other question -- what 15 day DL stint will fix an ankle problem that didn't get better in the offseason?

Posted by: dschensul | April 08, 2008 at 10:18 AM

I agree with Tim, and mentioned in my blog that Speier might be the better addition...plus Shields is coming off an injury of his own...so either way, I think they split in K-Rods absence.

Posted by: DisabledListInformer | April 08, 2008 at 07:46 PM

Sinestro - do not drop Raffy for Speier or Shields. He is a better pitcher and does not have the injury history.

Plus, there is a good chance that Raffy will land the closer's gig once Borowski wears out his welcome.

Try dropping someone else instead...

Posted by: DisabledListInformer | April 08, 2008 at 07:47 PM

Dschensul,

My thoughts exactly re: 15-day DL helping an injury that did not get better in the offseason...

My initial thoughts - does he need surgical correction for this? Only the Doctors know at this point.

Posted by: DisabledListInformer | April 08, 2008 at 07:49 PM

Speier won't be closing again for a while

Posted by: edhoo | April 08, 2008 at 11:54 PM