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Dan Wheeler has been given the Astros closers job on a platter, more than once. The proverbial “You can lead a horse to water…” situation.

Wheeler’s last 15 innings… 22 hits, 19 runs and a 6.28 ERA! Embattled Brad Lidge, equally ineffective in the closers role, is due back from the DL soon. Expect a battle of futility for the right be called Astros closer as Lidge and Wheeler continue their ‘fear of failure’ game of hot potato.

I would advise fantasy owners to steer clear of any Astros bullpen pitcher.

Other Closer Notes:
As if on cue, Jorge Julio choked in his first post-Fuentes demotion appearance. Meanwhile Manny Corpas shined. Expect Corpas to get the next Colorado save opportunity.

Baltimore Orioles interim manager Dave Trembley informed closer Chris Ray that he would receive a night off this past weekend. Reportedly, Ray was relieved to be relieved…..not exactly what I would call, “closer’s mentality”. Ray did proceed to convert a save opportunity last night, so perhaps the break did some good.

Colorado Rockies skipper Clint Hurdle has decided to give Brian Fuentes a temporary break from his closing duties. Are you feeling lucky and need saves? Roll the dice on a couple of failed closers in LaTroy Hawkins and Jorge Julio…or take a flier on the upside of Manny Corpas.

Fuentes has been serving up batting practice of late; 2 1/3 innings pitched, 19 batters faced, 11 hits surrendered…including back to back nights of walk-off home runs.

Look for Fuentes to regain the closers role in the near future, and for the Rockies to utilize a closer-by-committee platoon in the meantime.

Tough to say who might be the best option to pick-up for a quick saves injection. Julio has previous closing experience, although not all that effective, and has pitched well of late (his season numbers are a bit scary though). Corpas has nice upside, but no real closing experience.

If you pick up Julio, temper your expectations and plan on at least one “bad ERA day”.