Closer Watch: Perez struggling, Motte surging

We know you can't get enough news about the Cardinals' closer situation (who can?), so we're back with our third update in the span of 10 days.

This one centers around another rocky outing by Chris Perez. Perez, who closed some last year and is the favorite for the job out of spring training, gave up two hits, a walk and two runs while closing out Friday's split-squad game against Baltimore. He's struck out three and has given up three earned runs in five innings this spring.

Compare that to the performance of Jason Motte: five innings, one earned, seven Ks. Ryan Franklin, who closed for awhile last season and is a candidate again this spring, has given up one run in four innings while striking out five.

Manager Tony La Russa hasn't said anything recently regarding the closer situation, but he can't be happy with Perez's most recent performance. We still have Perez listed as the favorite, but his grip on the job is slipping by the day. So far this spring, he's received one save opportunity to Motte's two.

If you're drafting in the next couple days, consider Perez one of the last closer options. We currently have him ranked 29th among relievers (27th among closers). Motte should rise a few notches on your big board. Even if he doesn't land the closer's job right away, he should be able to help your team with his strikeout ability (assuming he doesn't start the year in Triple-A -- you never know with La Russa).

(sportingnews.com)