OFF THE WALL
ARSON SQUAD?
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Over the years, MLB has had many names and monikers for the awards it handed out to the best relief pitchers each season.
Initially referred to as "Firemen" for "putting out fires"​​ and saving the game, to the Rolaids Relief Man for settling down the situation.​
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But it's difficult remembering a season where so many of the "Firemen" actually fueled the fire rather than putting it out.
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As Week 5 of the season draws to a close, here are some of the instigators, in no particular order. The first ERA shows their recent dominant seasons, and the second shows their 2025 ERA:
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Edwin Diaz - 2.64 to 4.91
David Bednar - 2.25 to 5.40
Raisel Iglesias - 2.65 to 6.00
Ryan Walker - 2.48 to 6.52
Emmanuel Clase - 1.67 to 7.84
Devin Williams - 1.70 to 11.25
Jordan Romano - 2.063 to 13.50
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This list represents nearly 1/4 of all the current closers.
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While it doesn't mean that managers should jettison these guys for the next-in-line set-up guys, it does indicate that you should probably NOT be putting them at the top of your Relief Rotation until they show signs of turning things around.
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But at the same time, you may want to be looking at the "closers in waiting" and elevating them in your bullpen.​
COMPETITIVE BALANCE DRAFT
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We are only weeks away from the 2025 Competitive Balance ReStocking Drafts. Owners are reviewing their rosters and deciding on a draft strategy.
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The starting point, is ​keeping the players who are "no-brainers" to protect, and releasing those players to find upgrades.
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Another strategy is looking for trade partners to deal roster strength for roster weaknesses.
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The deadline for mailing Protected Lists is Friday, February 21; the email/fax deadline for submitting Protected Lists is Monday February 24.
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As you look over your roster printouts, be aware of position changes for the 2025 season. Several notable players have lost position eligibility and are now DH-Only - Kyle Schwarber, Brent Rooker and Masataka Yoshida.
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Be sure to refer to the 2025 Multi-Position page to find all the updated positions going into the new season. On that page, are also possible new position eligibility based on preseason reports from MLB team sites.
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Also be sure to check injury updates on websites to keep track of those players who are returning from injuries, or have had recent surgery that will prevent them from being active when the season starts.
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Finally, remember, at no time may a team exceed 20 active hitters or 20 active pitchers. Additional roster restrictions will go into effect Week 1.