With the Giants Brian Wilson becoming the latest closer in this young season lost to injury, many fantasy owners are scrambling to find saves.  Here’s a list of players that could help provide relief sooner rather than later:

Frank Francisco (NYM) – The Mets closer wasn’t drafted in nearly 50 percent of the leagues at ESPN.com, but has become quick waiver wire fodder after a hot start.  He had three saves during the first 10 games and the though the Mets aren’t playoff contenders he should plenty of chances in close games.

Grant Balfour (OAK) – Balfour has already pitched seven scoreless innings scattering two hits and two walks while striking out five batters. However, he’s only had two save opportunities thus far for a struggling A’s team

Alfredo Aceves (BOS) – With Andrew Bailey (thumb) on the shelf until at least the All-Star break, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has turned to Aceves as his closer. After a shaky start to the season, the righty has been sharp his last three times out, recording a pair of saves and striking out four over three innings without allowing a base runner.

Hector Santiago (CWS) – White Sox manager Robin Ventura surprised everybody when he appointed Santiago as the closer out of Spring Training. The move allowed Matt Thornton, Addison Reed and Jesse Crain to stay in their setup roles.  With three saves already under his belt the move is paying early dividends.

Brett Myers (HOU) – The former starter was moved into the closer’s role in Houston this offseason. The Astros struggle to win games making save opportunities tough to come by. There are reports that the team may already be shopping him though. If placed in the right situation Myers could prove to have some fantasy value.

Jim Johnson (BAL) – Johnson was named the closer just before the season started and has already gotten out of the gate with four saves and has not allowed a run in 4 2/3 innings of work.  He should be viewed as a decent No. 2 fantasy reliever in deeper leagues.

Brad Lidge (WAS) – With Drew Storen out until later this summer the former Phillies’ closer has found himself in the mix to close out games for the Nats. However, he’s been less than impressive of late converting just one of his two save chances. He’ll continue to get looks though along with Henry Rodriguez as the team’s short-term closer.

Santiago Casilla (SF) – Though manager Bruce Bochy has indicated he’ll go with a closer-by-committee approach in the absence of Brian Wilson, Casilla is our bet to get the bulk of the saves. He’s worth taking a flyer on if roster space is available.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, fantasy closers, frank francisco, grant balfour, hector santiago, brett myers, jim johnson, brad lidge, santiago casilla

In a game they simply had to get the Tampa Rays did just that, winning Game 2 of the World Series, 4-2. The victory evens up the best-of-seven series at one game a piece. Right-hander James Shields rebounded from a rough ALCS showing by tossing nearly 6 innings of shutout baseball. Only three major pitchers had won a game in the Fall Classic after losing twice in an LCS: Atlanta's Tom Glavine (twice), Cleveland's Chad Ogea and the New York Yankees' Mike Mussina. Shield allowed 7 hits and 2 walks through 5 2/3 innings, but got huge plays from the young Rays' defense when he needed them.

From there, the Rays' bullpen did there job, including 2 1/3 tough innings by Dan Wheeler. However, it was the team's timely hitting and execution that would prove to be the deciding factor. 

Groundouts by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria brought in runs in the first. Tampa Bay also scored on an out in the fourth, as Jason Bartlett dropped a bunt down the first-base line with Cliff Floyd on third, bringing home the big man on the sacrifice. Meanwhile, the Phillies continued to struggle at the plate. They managed to win Game 1 despite leaving 11 men on base and going 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position. The same offensive troubles showed up again, as the Phillies left 11 more runners on base and went 1-for-15 with them in scoring position, but this time Charlie Manuel's club could not overcome the poor hitting.

The Phillies are struggling, but nobody more so than shortstop Jimmy Rollins. He enters Game 3 of the World Series an 0-for-10 hitter in the series, 9-for-47 (.192) this postseason, 11-for-58 (.190) in his playoff career, including last year's 2-for-11 exhibition in the National League Division Series sweep by the Rockies.

The teams take Friday off to travel as they head to Citizen's Bank Park in the City of Brotherly Love. Tampa Bay's Matt Garza and Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer are scheduled to pitch in Game 3 Saturday night and it appears that Sunday night's Game 4 will shape up to be Andy Sonnastine against Joe Blanton.

SCHEDULE
Game One - Philadelphia 3, Tampa Bay 2
Game Two - Tampa Bay 4, Philadelphia 2
Game Three - Saturday, October 25th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:35 p.m.
Game Four - Sunday, October 26th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
Game Five - Monday, October 27th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
*Game Six - Wednesday, October 29th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:35 p.m.
*Game Seven - Thursday, October 30th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:29 p.m.

(Best-of-seven series tied, 1-1)

MLB world series, phillies, rays, james shields, brett myers, dan wheeler, carlos pena, evan longoria, jimmy rollins, matt garza, jamie moyer, andy sonnastine, joe blanton

Relive some of the best World Series memories ever with GETSPORTSRADIO.COM: WIRE TO WIRE

The team that has won the first game of the World Series has went on to be crowned champions in 10 of their last 11 years. The Phillies hope to make it 11 of the last 12. Philadelphia took Game 1 on Wednesday, beating Tampa 3-2. It was a game they needed to win. For starters, in order to win the best-of-seven-series they had to take at least one in Tampa. Secondly, with a questionable rotation it doesn't appear as if the Phils could affrod to lose with ace Cole Hamels on the mound.

The Rays produced 22 homers in their first 11 postseason games, but Wednesday, the heart of their lineup —B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria— went hitless in 12 at-bats without a ball leaving the infield.  

Hamels has been amazing. We all knew he was good, but after winning his fourth straight playoff start in dominating fashion he is now a superstar. In Philadelphia they are comparing him to another great Phillies' lefty, Steve Carlton. While he has a bit more to go before I can put in that Hall of Fame company you can't deny the fact that his 1.55 ERA effort this October has been outstanding.  

Scott Kazmir, who was drafted two spots ahead of Hamels in the first round of the 2002 Amateur Draft, struggled through is six innings allowing three runs on six hits and four walks. 

Chase Utley and Carl Crawford both went yard, but for the most part the offenses both struggled in the clutch all night long.

Both bullpens did great, yet the Phillies still possess the edge with Brad Lidge closing out games. He made the Rays look silly with his nasty slider working a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning. 

The drop off starts now though for the Phillies as after Hamels it gets a bit rough. Brett Myers will to go to the hill in Game 2 and he'll be opposed by right-hander James Shields for the Rays. It is a must-win game for the Rays as they can ill afford to leave town down 0-2.

SCHEDULE
Game One- Philadelphia 3, Tampa Bay 2
Game Two - Thursday, October 23rd - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:29 p.m.
Game Three - Saturday, October 25th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:35 p.m.
Game Four - Sunday, October 26th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
*Game Five - Monday, October 27th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
*Game Six - Wednesday, October 29th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:35 p.m.
*Game Seven - Thursday, October 30th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:29 p.m.
(Philadelphia leads best-of-seven series, 1-0)

MLB world series, phillies, rays, cole hamels, scott kazmir, bj upton, carlos pena, evan longoria, chase utley, carl crawford, brad lidge, brett myers, james shields

Our guy Tim Dierkes from MLBTradeRumors.com discusses the pitching market as the trade deadline nears:

• Justin Duchscherer, Athletics.  Duke is leading all of baseball with a 1.78 ERA in 101 innings.  He is under team control for '09, and Billy Beane wants to wait until after the season to talk extension.  He'd be a very interesting trade chip.
• Zack Greinke, Royals.  Despite interest, the Royals "remain decidedly uninterested in moving Greinke," according to Ken Rosenthal.
• Derek Lowe, Dodgers.  The Phillies are interested, but the Dodgers are tied for first place right now.  Trading Lowe makes no sense.
• Edwin Jackson, Rays.  Jackson is starting to put it together, with a 3.93 ERA in 110 innings.  Trading Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine to make room for rookie David Price seems unlikely.
• Daniel Cabrera, Orioles.  Cabrera is having his best year, averaging over 6.5 innings per start by sacrificing his strikeout rate.  The O's control him through 2010, so they'll probably opt to hold onto him.
• Erik Bedard, Mariners.  He's currently on the DL with a stiff shoulder, but the Phillies could still pursue him.  He's under team control through '09, but the Mariners won't get anything close to the package they gave up for him.
• Gil Meche, Royals.  Meche and the Royals have been very clear - he's staying in Kansas City.
• Jason Marquis, Cubs.  Marquis is signed at almost $10MM for '09, so the Cubs might have to eat salary to move him.
• Roy Oswalt, Astros.  The Astros' ace has a full no-trade clause and is expected to stay.  He's signed through 2011.  Oswalt has, however, been scouted by several clubs.
• Oliver Perez, Mets.  The Mets are only two games out, quieting the rumors for now.
• Joe Blanton, Athletics.  Trading Blanton as his ERA approaches 5.00 doesn't seem wise.
• Jarrod Washburn, Mariners.  He's been decent since June. That's a nice development for Lee Pelekoudas, who might be able to unload the $10.35MM owed to Washburn in '09.
• Kevin Millwood, Rangers.  His groin is bothering him again, plus the Rangers might not be willing to sell.
• Vicente Padilla, Rangers.  Padilla is on the DL with a neck strain, driving his value down further after a couple of rough starts.
• A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays.  You know the story with Burnett - enigmatic pitcher with a dangerous opt-out after the season.  Some team seems likely to gamble on him for two months.
• Brett Myers, Phillies.  Myers does not want to be traded, nor is a deal likely.
• Paul Byrd, Indians.  He's been awful since the beginning of June, bringing his ERA to 5.47.  Can't be much of a market for him.
• Homer Bailey, Reds.  His value is down, though the Reds will give him a spot start Sunday.  Wasn't long ago that he was Baseball America's #9 prospect in the game.
• Bronson Arroyo, Reds.  His ERA is near 6.00 after 19 starts.  It'd be closer to 4.50 if you take out a pair of one-inning thrashings, but is it fair to do that?  He's signed through 2010, and the Phillies might be interested.
• Livan Hernandez, Twins.  Would an NL team take him on? Livan had a run of four solid starts until the recent Boston beating.  Could be a DFA candidate.
• Josh Fogg, Reds.  The Reds aren't too keen on Fogg, keeping him in the minors even after he was healthy.  He could be had for a song.

MLB justin duchscherer, zack greinke, derek lowe, edwin jackson, daniel cabrera, erik bedard, gil meche, jason marquis, roy oswalt, oliver perez, joe blanton, jarrod washburn, kevin millwood, vicente padilla, a.j. burnett, brett myers, paul byrd, homer bailey, bronson arroyo, livan hernandez, josh fogg

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Brewers' shortstop J.J. Hardy is heating up after a slow start to the season and he may have hit his boiling point this week as he batted .577 and had 1.1923 slugging percentage. Hardy hit 4 HRs and drove in 8 runs over the past week. Blue Jays' ace Roy Halladay reminded owners this week why he is consistently a top 5 fantasy hurler. The former Cy Young winner went 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA, 0.69 WHIP while striking out 13 and walking just one batter in 16 masterful innings.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Cubs' rookie outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is mired in a slump of late. He did hit a homer this week, but batted just .167 while striking out 10 times. Look for him to continue to be a bit streaky as he adjustes to the league. Darrell Rasner may have pitched his way out of the Yankees' rotation over the past two weeks. The right hander is 0-3 with 9.00 ERA and 2.27 WHIP during that span.

KEY INJURIES
Dan Uggla (ankle) - day-to-day after spraining ankle
Johnny Damon (shoulder) - could be headed to DL
Roy Oswalt (hip) - will miss his next start
Troy Tulowitzki (hand) - placed back on 15-day DL
Rafael Furcal (back) - surgery buts him out 8+ weeks
Magglio Ordonez (oblique) - hopes to return after break
Troy Percival (hamstring) - hammy continues to haunt
Paul Konerko (oblique) - on rehab; should return this week
Todd Helton (back) - will miss at least 2-3 weeks
John Maine (forearm) - probable for next start

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Daisuke Matsuzaka – MIN (Scott Baker), BAL (Daniel Cabrera)
Joe Saunders – @TEX (Scott Feldman), @OAK (Justin Duchscherer)
Scott Kazmir - @NYY (Sidney Ponson), @CLE (Cliff Lee)

Sleeper Picks:
Jose Contreras - @KC (Kyle Davies), @TEX (Scott Feldman)
Dana Eveland – SEA (Jarrod Washburn), LAA (Ervin Santana)

NL
Must-Starts:
Cole Hamels – STL (Joel Pineiro), ARI (Micah Owings)
Chad Billingsley – ATL (Jair Jurrjens), FLA (Andrew Miller)
Manny Parra – COL (Mark Redman), CIN (Aaron Harang)

Sleeper Picks:
Jason Marquis – CIN (Aaron Harang), SF (Kevin Correia)
Ricky Nolasco - @SD (Josh Banks), @LAD (Hiroki Kuroda)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Grant Balfour (+34% roster change)
SS J.J. Hardy (+26%)
SP Hiroki Kuroda (+26%)
SP Ricky Nolasco(+25%)
3B Chris Davis (+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Clayton Kershaw (-23%)
SP Brett Myers (-20%)
RP Joe Borowski (-19%)
SP Darrell Rasner (-15%)
SS Mike Aviles (-14%

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: KC, LAA, MIN, OAK, SEA, TB, TEX
6: BAL, BOS, CHW, CLE, DET, NYY, TOR

NL
7: COL, FLA, LAD, MIL, NYM, PHI, PIT
6: ARI, ATL, CHC, CIN, HOU, SD, SF, STL, WAS

Fantasy Baseball j.j. hardy, roy halladay, kosuke fukudome, darrell rasner, dan uggla, johnny damon, roy oswalt, troy tulowitzki, rafael furcal, magglio ordonez, troy percival, paul konerko, todd helton, john maine, daisuke matsuzaka, joe saunders, scott kazmir, jose contreras, dana eveland, cole hamels, chad billingsley, manny parra, jason marquis, ricky nolasco, grant balfour, hiroki kuroda, chris davis, clayton kershaw, brett myers, joe borowski, mike aviles

The Phillies' Brett Myers entered the 2008 season with much promise, but with the All-Star break right around the corner the right-hander finds himself in the minors.

Philadelphia optioned him to Triple A Lehigh Valley, a move both the player and the club hope will give him the mental freedom to make some sorely needed changes to his game.

Myers (3-9, 5.84 ERA) allowed five runs in just two innings in his last start, on Friday against the Rangers. His ERA ranks 57th among NL starters with at least 60 innings pitched, and he has allowed the most home runs (24) in the league. 

 "Velocity does give you a little chance for error, a little margin for error, but the difference between 92 [mph] and 90, 92 and 89, isn't that much," pitching coach Rich Dubee told the Philadelphia Daily News. "So whether he is pitching 88 or 93, it's about being able to command the ball, and he hasn't been able to get down and away like he used to.

"Because he doesn't have the 93, he is trying to manufacture the 93. And all of a sudden he's trying to do more. And once you get in that position, your chances of locating that thing are very slim."

The Phillies are 1-11 in the past 12 games started by Myers, who is 1-8 in that stretch.

It remains to be seen when Myers will be back, but he is worth stashing away for owners that can afford to do so. 

Fantasy Baseball phillies, brett myers

On Saturday Brett Myers of the Phillies set up an incredible prank on Kyle Kendrick. He had the manager, assistant general manager and the media all involved in the ruse. And it was all caught on video. Check it out:

Just For Fun, MLB brett myers, kyle kendrick, prank, phillies