I’ve been speculating about this for the past week or so, but according to Chico Harlan of the Washington Post (click here for the post, though registration is required) Joel Hanrahan has been removed as the Washington Nationals closer.  Manager Manny Acta was saying, “Right now we’re just going to go by committee and match-ups at the end of the game. Probably most of the duties will be handled by Wells and Tavarez up until Beimel comes back, and then we’ll put him in the mix. Depending on how things go this week, he might end up being the guy.”

Who knows at this point, but it would appear that of the players worth gambling on, Joe Beimel would be atop the list long-term.  If you are desperate for saves, Kip Wells and Julian Tavarez could be worth grabbing as well, but I would only do so out of pure desperation.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?  Personally, when a pitcher posts a 8.64 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, potential needs to be thrown out the window.  You need help get his confidence back, and if he’s getting beaten up in the ninth you need to move him to a less pressurized situation and get him back on track.

To read the previous article, click here.