Nationals Get Aggressive

12/24/2009 6:13 AM -  Fred Zinkie

December 23, 2009
By: Fred Zinkie

Matt Capps started with 12 teams to choose from and narrowed it down to the Washington Nationals.  A curious decision, but maybe we have to accept the Nationals as a bigger player on the free agent market.  Capps carries significant fantasy value after choosing Washington – let’s look at all the players affected by the signing.

Matt Capps – He wants to be a closer more than he wants to win.  That is the immediate impression one would when he chooses to sign with Washington instead of the Chicago Cubs.  Capps knows that relievers with closing experience can make so much more money than other relievers (see, Fernando Rodney – 2009).  By signing a one-year deal he is obviously hoping to turn in a 30+ save season and get a larger multi-year deal in 2011.  He will be one of the least desirable closers entering the 2010 season but he will be drafted in all formats by owners who are looking for cheap saves.  Mike MacDougal’s performance in the second half of 2009 reminds us that even a Nationals’ closer can have value if he is pitching well.  Capps may not pitch well (see Matt Capps – 2009) but he is worth the risk.

Eddie Guardado – He joins Washington’s revamped bullpen at the same time as Capps.  His immediate role will be to set up for Capps and mentor the young relievers.  His closing experience means that he could get the first shot at saves in the event of a Capps injury or ineffectiveness.  He is a possible handcuff for Capps in NL-Only leagues but mixed league owners can’t afford to waste the roster spot.

Brian Bruney – When he was acquired by Washington he expressed interest in closing for them.  Well, a lot of relievers want to close but very few get that chance.  Bruney could still change Washington’s mind in spring training but the odds are stacked against him now.  Expect him to work in middle relief and hope that he is performing better than Guradado at the possible moment that Capps needs to be replaced.  Don’t forget that Capps will be trade bait if/when Washington is out of the playoff race in the summer.

Tyler Clippard – He might be the most talented arm in Washington’s bullpen.  His high strikeout rate and effective overall skills make him a candidate for Washington’s closer role at some point.  However, that time isn’t going to come in 2010 now that they have added Capps, Bruney and Guardado.  He will continue to be a valuable reliever for NL-Only teams unless Washington puts him back in the rotation.